The Age of Charisma examines a uniquely emotional type of social movement based on 'personal magnetism' which dominated American society from the Gilded Age to the eve of World War II. This book is unique in its ability to address political, social, cultural, and intellectual history under the single banner of charisma.

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.