Stephan Feuchtwang, born in 1937, is an emeritus professor of Department of Anthropology at London School of Economics. He obtained his degree in BA Chinese Language and literature from University of Oxford in 1961, and degree in MA social anthropology from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1964, and PhD social anthropology from the University of London. He has been engaged in research on popular religion and politics in mainland China and Taiwan since 1966, resulting in a number of publications on charisma, place, temples and festivals, and civil society.

His works include: China as ethnographic and theoretical critique. China in Comparative Perspective (2017); The Anthropology of China (2016); The Anthropology of Religion, Charisma and Ghosts (2010); Grassroots Charisma: Four Local Leaders in China(2001).