-In this book, Klapp has made a significant contribution to the study of mass communications and modern societies through the analysis of such public dramas and their stars. . . . [T]he author's messages is an important one and his theoretical position is addressed to a central question in social science. The capacity for change in men's hearts is greatly underestimated by us cynical sociologists in our emphasis on structural commitments. Leaders of social movements have implicitly understood that stirring drama has immense power to affect action. Anyone who doubts that has but to mention the names of Christ, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King.-
--Joseph Gusfield, American Journal of Sociology
-Klapp distinguishes a symbolic leader from an organizational leader on the grounds that an organizational leader exercises authority within a social structure whereas a symbolic leader functions primarily through his meaning or image, and what he represents may be more important than what he commands. . . . [T]his book finds its place in sociology, examining events that are intrinsically interesting and publicly significant without pretending to exactitude of methodology or profundity of theoretical development.-
--Wm. Bruce Cameron, American Sociological Review
-In a lively style unmarred by academic jargon, Klapp reveals the world of the 'symbolic leader'--one who functions primarily through his meaning or image, rather than organizational position. . . . Klapp traces how an unknown through an accident of circumstance, becomes a symbolic image for a wide audience, the image in turn taking on a life of its own, independent of its holder's personality or material contribution. . . . This is a lively, entertaining, and sociologically important book.-
--Robert Endleman, Social Forces
"In this book, Klapp has made a significant contribution to the study of mass communications and modern societies through the analysis of such public dramas and their stars. . . . [T]he author's messages is an important one and his theoretical position is addressed to a central question in social science. The capacity for change in men's hearts is greatly underestimated by us cynical sociologists in our emphasis on structural commitments. Leaders of social movements have implicitly understood that stirring drama has immense power to affect action. Anyone who doubts that has but to mention the names of Christ, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King."
--Joseph Gusfield, American Journal of Sociology
"Klapp distinguishes a symbolic leader from an organizational leader on the grounds that an organizational leader exercises authority within a social structure whereas a symbolic leader functions primarily through his meaning or image, and what he represents may be more important than what he commands. . . . [T]his book finds its place in sociology, examining events that are intrinsically interesting and publicly significant without pretending to exactitude of methodology or profundity of theoretical development."
--Wm. Bruce Cameron, American Sociological Review
"In a lively style unmarred by academic jargon, Klapp reveals the world of the 'symbolic leader'--one who functions primarily through his meaning or image, rather than organizational position. . . . Klapp traces how an unknown through an accident of circumstance, becomes a symbolic image for a wide audience, the image in turn taking on a life of its own, independent of its holder's personality or material contribution. . . . This is a lively, entertaining, and sociologically important book."
--Robert Endleman, Social Forces
"In this book, Klapp has made a significant contribution to the study of mass communications and modern societies through the analysis of such public dramas and their stars. . . . [T]he author's messages is an important one and his theoretical position is addressed to a central question in social science. The capacity for change in men's hearts is greatly underestimated by us cynical sociologists in our emphasis on structural commitments. Leaders of social movements have implicitly understood that stirring drama has immense power to affect action. Anyone who doubts that has but to mention the names of Christ, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King."
--Joseph Gusfield, American Journal of Sociology
"Klapp distinguishes a symbolic leader from an organizational leader on the grounds that an organizational leader exercises authority within a social structure whereas a symbolic leader functions primarily through his meaning or image, and what he represents may be more important than what he commands. . . . [T]his book finds its place in sociology, examining events that are intrinsically interesting and publicly significant without pretending to exactitude of methodology or profundity of theoretical development."
--Wm. Bruce Cameron, American Sociological Review
"In a lively style unmarred by academic jargon, Klapp reveals the world of the 'symbolic leader'--one who functions primarily through his meaning or image, rather than organizational position. . . . Klapp traces how an unknown through an accident of circumstance, becomes a symbolic image for a wide audience, the image in turn taking on a life of its own, independent of its holder's personality or material contribution. . . . This is a lively, entertaining, and sociologically important book."
--Robert Endleman, Social Forces