A Cultural History of Shopping

The Cultural History of Shopping is a 2,500-year-long study by 55 experts that looks at how shopping has changed and what it reveals about people's lives and interests across different cultures. It covers six volumes, each with themes and chapter titles such as Practices and Processes, Spaces and Places, Shoppers and Identities, Luxury and Everyday, Home and Family, Visual and Literary Representations, Reputation, Trust and Credit, and Governance, Regulation and the State. The series is available as printed hardcover sets or as a fully searchable digital library for institutions.

Format: Mixed media product
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Cultural Histories Series presents a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of shopping practices across centuries, shedding light on the diverse lifestyles and interests of people across different cultures. Spanning a remarkable 2,500 years, this groundbreaking work is brought to life by a collective of 55 esteemed experts, each offering a concise overview of a specific theme applied to a particular historical period. Through a rich array of case material, these experts vividly illustrate the broad trends and intricate nuances that have shaped the culture of shopping throughout history, from antiquity to the present.

To enhance the user experience, individual volume editors have worked diligently to ensure coherence throughout the six volumes. Chapter titles are consistent across each volume, allowing readers to choose to delve into a specific period in one volume or follow a thematic thread across history by consulting the relevant chapters in each of the six. The six volumes in this series cover a wide range of historical periods:

Antiquity (500 BCE to 500 CE)
Middle Ages (500 to 1450)
Early Modern Age (1450 to 1650)
Age of Enlightenment (1650 to 1820)
Age of Revolution and Empire (1820 to 1920)
Modern Age (1920 to 2000+)

Each volume is organized into thematic chapters, covering topics such as Practices and Processes, Spaces and Places, Shoppers and Identities, Luxury and Everyday, Home and Family, Visual and Literary Representations, Reputation, Trust, and Credit, and Governance, Regulation, and the State. The extensive page count for the pack is approximately 1,700 pages, providing a wealth of information and insights.

To enrich the reading experience, each volume begins with Notes on Contributors, offering valuable insights into the backgrounds and expertise of the contributors. The Introduction by the Volume Editor provides a comprehensive overview of the themes and perspectives presented in the book. The conclusion of each volume includes Notes, a comprehensive Bibliography, and an Index, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers alike.

The Cultural Histories Series: A Cultural History of Shopping is an essential addition to academic libraries and institutions seeking to understand the complex tapestry of shopping practices and their cultural significance. Whether as a standalone purchase for libraries needing specialized subject coverage or as part of a broader collection, this series offers a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich history and evolving nature of shopping.

ISBN-13: 9781350027060