"Celebrity politicians and politicized celebrities have had a vital impact upon politics within the first two decades of the 21st century. Mark Harvey's important new book provides a theoretically informed and empirically grounded account of this phenomenon. His qualitative and quantitative analysis concerning the political effects of celebrity engagement is especially welcome due to it terrific level of detail. Moreover, Harvey's insightful account is particularly prescient in the light of the ultimate celebrity politician Donald Trump's ascendency to the office of the Presidency of the United States."--Mark Wheeler, Professor of Political Communications London Metropolitan University

"In Celebrity Influence Mark Harvey makes a persuasive case for the power of celebrities to shape the national conversation. Harvey offers a detailed and historically rich context through which to understand how entertainers and athletes channel their fame and credibility with audiences into political action. In an era when show business and politics have become increasingly intertwined, Harvey presents a timely analysis of an underappreciated topic."--Alan Schroeder, author of Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail

"If there is one thing that the election of Donald Trump has taught us, it is that the phenomenon of celebrity politics is very real and very important. In his book Celebrity Influence, Mark Harvey explores this phenomenon more thoroughly and more seriously than perhaps any social scientist ever has. If you are interested in why and how celebrities affect our politics, you should read this book."--Anthony J. Nownes, Professor of Political Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

"This fascinating book opens the door to new, essential understandings of US politics. The work features meticulous quantitative analysis, and the second chapter, which explains the rise of celebrity influence, is must reading for anyone interested in contemporary politics. Essential."--Choice