Description
Book SynopsisIn Defense of Charisma develops an account of moral charisma that weaves insights from politics, ethics, and religion together with reflections on contemporary culture. Vincent W. Lloyd distinguishes between authoritarian charisma, which furthers the interests of the powerful, and democratic charisma, which prompts us to discover new possibilities.
Trade ReviewIn this wonderfully provocative book, Vincent Lloyd explores the theory and practice of charisma in their kaleidoscopically varied forms. Ranging through literary and philosophical and theological texts, through movies and TV and Twitter, through proclamations and arguments and performances, he shows us a big world of ideas. After reading this book I find myself seeing the effects of charisma everywhere. A truly remarkable work of humanistic scholarship, In Defense of Charisma is also a great deal of fun. -- Alan Jacobs, author of
The Book of Common Prayer: A BiographyWhat is charisma and can it be used well? In this book, Vincent Lloyd offers creative and important reflections for our networked age. -- Cathleen Kaveny, Libby Professor of Law and Theology, Boston College
In
In Defense of Charisma, Vincent Lloyd elucidates a compelling and unique definition of democratic charisma as something overlooked and valuable. It is overlooked partly because it is fleeting, partly because it is overshadowed by the more widely understood and unappealing concept of authoritarian charisma. Democratic charisma gives us an innovative angle on a central concept and could enter the mainstream of discussion in multiple disciplines, perhaps even broader consciousness. -- Mark Roche, University of Notre Dame
[A] scholarly but truly readable new book... offer[ing] a new, normative research program for those interested in understanding how political leadership, charisma, and their many layers of mediation interact, not just to uncover the mechanics of that charismatic matrix, but to investigate it and evaluate it for the sake of the common good. * Contemporary Political Review *
Pulling together insights from history, philosophy, theology, social media, and television, [Lloyd's] examples are real, current, powerful. This compelling and timely work will richly reward readers who wish to understand the allure of charismatic individuals and what makes people want to follow them. Highly recommended. * Choice *
For political theory, this book offers a new, normative research program for those interested in understanding how political leadership, charisma, and their many layers of mediation interact, not just to uncover the mechanics of that charismatic matrix, but to investigate it and evaluate it for the sake of the common good. * Contemporary Political Theory *
Table of ContentsContents
Introduction
1. The Uncircumcised Lips of Moses
2. The Virtue of Charisma
3. Charisma and Goodness
4. Charisma and Truth
5. Charisma and Beauty
Conclusion: The Justice of Charisma
Afterword: Studying Charisma
Notes
Index
