The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation

by Christopher J. Berry

• ISBN13: 9780521466912
• ISBN10: 0521466911
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-06-24
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

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 utilized 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.

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.