Mormons and popular culture : the global influence of an American phenomenon

Author:J. Michael Hunter

Summary:What do Twilight author Stephanie Meyer, radio host Glenn Beck, and former child star Ricky Schroder all have in common? They're all Mormon. This two-volume reference for high school and up offers entries on the influence of individual Mormon actors, writers, and athletes on popular culture, the portrayal of Mormons in American popular culture, the relationship between the Mormon Church and popular culture, and on cultural works within the Mormon subculture. Contemporary issues, such as the impossibility of preserving sacred secrecy in the age of mass media, are considered. Volume 1 covers cinema, television, theater, music, and fashion, with material on topics such as the Mormon influence at Disney, Mormons and American television, and ritualized theater. Volume 2 treats literature, art, media, tourism, and sports. Some specific subjects explored are Mormon contributions to young adult literature, political cartooning and the Reed Smoot hearings, and Mormons in the New York World's Fair 1964-65. The reference includes b&w photos (though not for every entry). Hunter is Mormon studies librarian at Brigham Young University. Many of the other contributors are also affiliated with Brigham Young University. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)