The History of Fandom, 1700-1900 (Radio Edit)
Summary
Host Greg Jenner explores the history of cultural fandom from the 18th and 19th centuries with guests Dr. Corin Throsby and Stu Goldsmith. They discuss the origins of fan mail, celebrity merchandising, and pilgrimages to literary sites, while examining how mass media fostered emotional connections between audiences and creators. The episode also highlights darker aspects of fame, such as stalking, and concludes by comparing historical commonplace books to modern social media.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and introduction
Welcome to Hay Festival and guest introductions
Introducing Dr. Corin Throsby and Stu Goldsmith
Defining fandom and the 'So What Do You Know' segment
Etymology of the word 'fan' and early fan culture
Ancient fan culture and the role of mass media
Stu Goldsmith's fan encounter with Harry Hill
Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the history of fan mail
Lord Byron's female fans and the concept of 'Menads'
Elizabeth Barrett Browning and hero worship
Pilgrimages to literary sites and the Bronte parsonage
The 1769 Shakespeare Jubilee and early cosplay
Commercialization of fame and early celebrity merchandise
Cabinet cards and the economics of fan interaction
Parasocial intimacy and the case of Frances Maria Kelly
Collaborative fan communities and the Pickwick Clubs
Nuance Window: Commonplace books as pre-internet social media
Closing remarks and episode recommendations
Post-show banter and other BBC podcast promotions
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