Claim To Fame

Lindsay, a former child star who suffered a nervous breakdown after developing the ability to hear what anyone says about her, comes to see this as an asset when, after her father's death, she learns that she is not alone.

This book investigates the stardom of Lady Gaga within a cultural-sociological framework. Resisting a reductionist perspective of fame as a commodity, Mathieu Deflem offers an empirical examination of the social conditions that informed Lady Gaga’s rise to fame. The book delves into topics such as the marketing of Lady Gaga; the legal issues that have dogged her career; the media; her audience; her activism; issues of sex, gender, and sexuality; and Lady Gaga’s unique artistry. By training a spotlight on this singular pop icon, Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame invites readers to consider the nature of stardom in an age of celebrity.

Moving from People magazine to publicists' offices to tours of stars' homes, Joshua Gamson investigates the larger-than-life terrain of American celebrity culture. In the first major academic work since the early 1940s to seriously analyze the meaning of fame in American life, Gamson begins with the often-heard criticisms that today's heroes have been replaced by pseudoheroes, that notoriety has become detached from merit. He draws on literary and sociological theory, as well as interviews with celebrity-industry workers, to untangle the paradoxical nature of an American popular culture that is both obsessively invested in glamour and fantasy yet also aware of celebrity's transparency and commercialism. Gamson examines the contemporary "dream machine" that publicists, tabloid newspapers, journalists, and TV interviewers use to create semi-fictional icons. He finds that celebrity watchers, for whom spotting celebrities becomes a spectator sport akin to watching football or fireworks, glean their own rewards in a game that turns as often on playing with inauthenticity as on identifying with stars. Gamson also looks at the "celebritization" of politics and the complex questions it poses regarding image and reality. He makes clear that to understand American public culture, we must understand that strange, ubiquitous phenomenon, celebrity.

Step into the Spotlight: How Ordinary People Transformed into Household Names In a world captivated by the glow of fame, Rise to Fame: Stories & Strategies of the Self-Made Celebrity serves as both a beacon and a roadmap for those daring enough to dream of the spotlight. This meticulously crafted guide illuminates the paths trodden by those who have transformed their ordinary lives into extraordinary sagas of success. With candid stories and proven strategies, this book not only motivates but equips you for your ascent to stardom. Embark on Your Journey with Clarity and Purpose. The initial chapters lay the foundation of fame, helping you define your niche and understand the dynamics of the fame ecosystem. Discover how digital platforms can serve as your stage, drawing lessons from phenomena such as Justin Bieber's ascent from YouTube anonymity to global superstardom. Harness the power of social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to carve out your visible space in the crowded digital universe. Dive deep into the realm of acting, music, reality TV, and more, gleaning wisdom from the trajectories of legends like Sarah Jessica Parker and Selena Gomez. Each chapter showcases a unique pathway, laden with personal anecdotes and actionable strategies. Learn how to master auditions, network effectively, develop your musical identity, and even leverage reality TV for sustained fame. This book also sheds light on less conventional routes to recognition, such as comedy, writing, directing, and influencing. From Chris Pratt's transformation from a waiting-tables job to blockbuster roles to Sylvester Stallone's inspiring journey scripting "Rocky", the stories within will fuel your ambition while guiding your steps. Prepare for the Marathon. Fame is not merely about the ascent but also about staying afloat in its turbulent waters. Learn about building and managing your reputation, navigating public scrutiny, and expanding your empire for long-term success. Uncover the secrets of maintaining relevance while balancing your personal life with your public persona. With Rise to Fame: Stories & Strategies of the Self-Made Celebrity, ignite your passion, strategize your path, and prepare to rise. Your journey to the pantheon of fame starts here.

The most infamous of conquerors gets the Horribly Famous treatment. Readers can find out everything about Alexander that other books won't tell them, including how he once took on an army of 326 elephants, how he told everyone he was a god, and that his best friend was actually his horse, Bucephalus.

Peisistratos and his sons dominated Athenian politics in the second half of the 6th century BC although the sources are contradictory as to whether their reign of tyranny was a good or bad thing.

Colin Riley's past wasn't a pretty one. He'd worked hard to bury his demons. So when he crossed paths with Alexandra Vaughn, the daughter of the man who almost destroyed his life, he should have run. But he didn't. Instead, like an idiot, he fell in love. Alex was smart, talented, beautiful, and one of the most infuriating women Colin had ever met. From the second he laid eyes on her, he knew he'd do anything to make her his. Why else would he let her trick him into starring in some play? It was just supposed to be a way to get close to her. How could he have known saying yes to the role would change their lives forever? But that's what happens when Richard Steed - the most sought-after agent in Hollywood swoops in promising to make all their dreams come true. It doesn't take long before the slick agent's true intentions become known turning him into their worst nightmare. With a ghost from the past haunting them and an agent hell-bent on tearing them apart, is there any way Colin and Alex can survive The Rise to Fame?