The idea of luxury : a conceptual and historical investigation

Bibliographic Information

The idea of luxury : a conceptual and historical investigation

Christopher J. Berry

(Ideas in context / edited by Quentin Skinner (general editor) ... [et al.], 30)

Cambridge University Press, 1994

  • : hbk
  • : pbk

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-259) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

In this far-ranging and innovative study Christopher Berry explores the meanings and ramifications of the idea of luxury. Insights from political theory, philosophy and intellectual history are utilised in a sophisticated conceptual analysis that is complemented by a series of specific historical investigations. Dr Berry suggests that the value attached to luxury is a crucial component in any society's self-understanding, and shows how luxury has changed from being essentially a negative term, threatening social virtue, to a guileless ploy supporting consumption. His analytic focus upon the interplay between the notions of need and desire suggests that luxuries fall into four categories - sustenance, shelter, clothing and leisure - and these are exemplified in sources as diverse as classical philosophy and contemporary advertising.

Table of Contents

  • Part I. Preliminary Essay: 1. Luxury goods
  • Part II. The Classical Paradigm: 2. The platonic prelude
  • 3. The Roman response
  • 4. The Christian contribution
  • Part III. The Transition to Modernity: 5. The de-moralisation of luxury
  • 6. The eighteenth-century debate
  • 7. The historicity of needs
  • Part IV. Politics, Needs and Desires: 8. Luxury and the politics of needs and desires
  • 9. Luxury, necessity and social identity.

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Related Books: 1-1 of 1

  • Ideas in context

    edited by Quentin Skinner (general editor) ... [et al.]

    Cambridge University Press

Details

  • NCID
    BA22660550
  • ISBN
    • 0521454484
    • 0521466911
  • LCCN
    93032166
  • Country Code
    uk
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Cambridge [England]
  • Pages/Volumes
    xiv, 271 p.
  • Size
    23-24 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
  • Parent Bibliography ID
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