The book: • Explains how social media is key in establishing an online presence for celebrities • Critically analyses the changing nature of fan culture within the online environment • Delves into a richer and more detailed account of the history of celebrity • Examines in greater depth the increased role of reality TV • Incorporates recent contributions from feminist scholars to the field Enriched with new examples drawn from popular culture, this is a contemporary and incisive look at celebrity studies. Understanding Celebrity is not only an essential text, but a stimulating read for students studying celebrity and popular culture across media studies, cultural studies and sociology.