ABSTRACT
The introductory chapter begins with contextualizing the volume in the vast array of scholarship pertaining to ruler personality cults. Highlighting existing shortcomings and gaps, the introduction delineates the strategy of bringing the studies of ruler personality cults to a new level. In particular, the necessity for a multi-disciplinary enterprise looking beyond modern European totalitarianisms and politics in general is spelled out in detail. Finally, the case is made for seeing ruler personality cults as collaborative interactional enterprises jointly created, modified and sustained by cultic leaders and their followers.
