The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation - Brossura

Berry, Christopher J.

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0521466911 ISBN 13: 9780521466912

Casa editrice: Cambridge University Press, 1994

Riassunto

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.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

Berry's monograph, written throughout with great clarity, provides keys to an understanding of the origins of these contemporary issues. His research will prove useful to historians of ideas and also to specialists in ethics, legal philosophy, economics and politics. The Oyster Club, The Scottish Journal of Philosophy

Descrizione del libro:

In this far-ranging and innovative study Christopher Berry explores the meanings and ramifications of the idea of luxury, and suggests that the value attached to luxury is a crucial component in any society's self-understanding.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Cambridge University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0521466911
• ISBN 13: 9780521466912
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 288