The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation (Ideas in Context, Series Number 30)

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. 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. Pt. I. Preliminary Essay. 1. Luxury Goods -- Pt. Ii. The Classical Paradigm. 2. The Platonic Prelude. 3. The Roman Response. 4. The Christian Contribution -- Pt. Iii. The Transition To Modernity. 5. The De-moralisation Of Luxury. 6. The Eighteenth-century Debate. 7. The Historicity Of Needs -- Pt. Iv. Politics, Needs And Desires. 8. Luxury And The Politics Of Needs And Desires. 9. Luxury, Necessity And Social Identity. Christopher J. Berry. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 243-259) And Index. This book analyses the idea of luxury, shows how its evaluative meaning has changed, and explores its role in the determination of social order