The Age of Charisma
Leaders, Followers, and Emotions in American Society, 1870–1940

This book demonstrates how the modern relationship between leaders and followers in America grew out of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century charismatic social movements.

Jeremy C. Young (Author)

9781107535152, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 4 July 2019

355 pages, 15 b/w illus.
23 x 15.3 x 2.7 cm, 0.5 kg

'There is much that is valuable in this book … Young's book gives us insight into the historical forms by which a culture theoretically committed to democratic individualism struggled with emotional bonds and problems of authority and social leadership.' Daniel Wickberg, Journal of Social History

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.

Introduction
1. Magnetic America: personal magnetism in American culture, 1870–1900
2. Command performances: leaders and their technologies, 1890–1910
3. Transformations: the follower experience, 1890–1920
4. Competing visions: imagining charisma and social change, 1890–1910
5. Changing society: the rise and fall of progressive charisma, 1910–20
6. End of an age: from magnetism to mass communication, 1920–40
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Cultural studies [JFC], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], History of the Americas [HBJK]