Stardom and Celebrity
A Reader
- Su Holmes - University of East Anglia, UK
- Sean Redmond - Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
—A.L. Knight, CHOICE
This book brings together some of the seminal interventions which have structured the development of star/celebrity studies, while crucially combining and situating these within the context of new essays which address the contemporary, cross-media and international landscape of today's fame culture. At the core of the collection is a desire to map out a unique historical trajectory - both in terms of the development of fame, as well as the historical development of star/celebrity studies.
'...an often engaging and often insightful book... Among the best pieces in the 29 chapter collection are those by Australian academics Graeme Turner, whose clear and concise chapter "The Economy of Celebrity" illustrates the industrial imperatives of stardom, and Catherine Lumby, who brings the experience of contemporary teen girl fandom to life in "Doing It For Themselves? Teenage Girls, Sexuality and Fame". And Richard de Cordova's chapter on the emergence of the American star system delivers a fascinating analysis of the construction of the celebrity system in movies' - Media International Australia
"This welcome addition to the literature on fame goes beyond goes beyond stardom--though Redmond and Holmes cover that topic well--to discuss stardom and celebrity in general."
Absolutely wonderful. The inclusion of seminal works and more recent works makes this a very valuable read. I will make this essential reading for my MA students. A highly relevant book especially in light of the recent focus on celebrities and stardom.
Using for new course on Acting & Stardom on Film & TV - key resource
Great range and breadth of coverage - engaging and accessible.
This acts as a concise introduction to the study of both contemporary and historical stardom and celebrity. Collecting together in one source companion an easily accessible range of readings surrounding stardom and celebrity culture, this book is a worthwhile addition to any library.
Braod ranging and appropriate for Level 2 on this module
