In this remarkable second novel by BurtZollo, we meet Lyle Kopp, a publicrelations man in Chicago during theSixties. P.R., at this time, is still a relativelynew, undefined profession, and Koppis one of the pioneers in shaping thepublic perception of P.R., which is, afterall, all about shaping public perceptions.Kopp's world is one of publicity stunts, politics, romance, family, ambition, andfriendships real and forced. It's a storyof a profession never before exploredso intimately and insightfully in fiction, and the story of a family man, whobalances a home life in suburbia with awork life in the city.State & Wacker is also very much thestory of Chicago, which happens to beZollo's hometown. His Kopp is a savvyguy, balancing the art and science of hisgrowing field, while struggling with theawareness of the power of persuadingpublic opinion on behalf of his clients.Even the name "Public relations" is notfree from his scrutiny, and this level ofconsideration gives this novel its depth:"While he thought `public relations'was descriptive, " Zollo writes, "hefeared it might be considered deceptive, not as humble as he preferred. Hedidn't resent the variety of names hispractice had achieved, he simply didn'twant to appear, as he explained, `toogrand.'" Public relations, Kopp felt, was"the most maligned, least understoodcreative practice. At its best, he thought, P.R. changed people's minds, at itsworst, P.R. bred suspicion." Walkingthat line between being influential andmanipulative is where this novel lives.