The age of charisma : leaders, followers, and emotions in American society, 1870-1940 / Jeremy C. Young.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Young, Jeremy C., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Charisma (Personality trait)--Political aspects--United States--History--19th century.

Charisma (Personality trait).

Charisma (Personality trait)--Political aspects--United States--History--20th century.

Political leadership--United States--History--19th century.

Political leadership.

Political leadership--United States--History--20th century.

Political culture--United States--History--19th century.

Political culture.

Political culture--United States--History--20th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xxiv, 331 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2017.

Summary:

An innovative examination of American society, culture, and politics, The Age of Charisma argues that the modern relationship between American leaders and followers grew out of a unique group of charismatic social movements prominent in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Drawing on hundreds of letters and testimonials, Jeremy C. Young illustrates how 'personal magnetism' in public speaking shaped society by enabling a shift from emotionally-inaccessible leadership to emotionally-available leadership. This charismatic speaking style caused a rapid transformation in the leader-follower relationship, creating an emotional link between speakers and listeners, and the effects of this social transformation remain with us today. Young argues that ultimately, charismatic movements enhanced American democracy by encouraging the personalization of leadership - creating a culture in which today's leaders appeal directly to Americans through mass media.

Contents:

Magnetic America : personal magnetism in American culture, 1870-1900

Command performances : leaders and their technologies, 1890-1910

Transformations : the follower experience, 1890-1920

Competing visions : imagining charisma and social change, 1890-1910

Changing society : the rise and fall of progressive charisma, 1910-1920

End of an age : from magnetism to mass communication, 1920-1940.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 31 Jan 2017).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-316-94213-9

1-316-94405-0

1-316-94437-9

1-316-33536-4

1-316-94469-7

1-316-94597-9

1-316-94501-4