Tradition and Innovation in Englaish Retailing 1700-1850 Narratives of Consumption |
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| Author:
| Mitchell, Ian |
| Series title: | The History of Retailing and Consumption Ser. |
| ISBN: | 978-1-4094-4321-6 |
| Publication Date: | Feb 2014 |
| Publisher: | Ashgate Publishing Company
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| Book Format: | Ebook |
| List Price: | USD $124.95 |
Book Description:
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Three decades of research into retailing in England from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries has established a seemingly clear narrative: fixed shops were widespread from an early date; 'modern' methods of retailing were common from at least the early eighteenth century; shopping was a skilled activity throughout the period; and consumers were increasingly part of - and aware of being part of - a polite and fashionable culture. This book presents a reassessment of the standard view...
More DescriptionThree decades of research into retailing in England from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries has established a seemingly clear narrative: fixed shops were widespread from an early date; 'modern' methods of retailing were common from at least the early eighteenth century; shopping was a skilled activity throughout the period; and consumers were increasingly part of - and aware of being part of - a polite and fashionable culture. This book presents a reassessment of the standard view by challenging the usefulness of concepts like 'traditional' and 'modern', examining consumption and retailing as inextricably linked aspects of a single process, and by using the idea of narrative to discuss the roles and perceptions of the various actors in this process - such as retailers, shoppers/consumers, local authorities and commentators.