Oprah: The Gospel of an Icon (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780520259270)

"Today on Oprah," intoned the TV announcer, and all over America viewers tuned in to learn, empathize, and celebrate. In this book, Kathryn Lofton investigates the Oprah phenomenon and finds in Winfrey's empire--Harpo Productions, O Magazine, and her new television network--an uncanny reflection of religion in modern society. Lofton shows that when Oprah liked, needed, or believed something, she offered her audience nothing less than spiritual revolution, reinforced by practices that fuse consumer behavior, celebrity ambition, and religious idiom. In short, Oprah Winfrey is a media messiah for a secular age. Lofton's unique approach also situates the Oprah enterprise culturally, illuminating how Winfrey reflects and continues historical patterns of American religions.

Author: Kathryn Lofton
ISBN-10: 0520259270
ISBN-13: 9780520259270
Publisher: University of California Press
Language: English
Published: 03/02/2011
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.00h x 5.90w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/14/2011
Booklist 03/01/2011 pg. 8
Library Journal 03/15/2011 pg. 128
Choice 11/01/2011
Christian Century 02/22/2012 pg. 46