The Romantic Ethic and the Spirit of Modern Consumerism

Colin Campbell is professor of sociology at the University of York (UK). He
has written on the sociology of religion and sociological theory in addition
to the sociology of consumption, and his books include Toward A Sociology of
Irreligion (Macmillan, 1971), The Myth of Social Action (Cambridge
University Press, 1996) and The Shopping Experience (Sage, 1997: co-editor
with Pasi Falk). Details of his publications on consumption has been added.
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Forward to the Alcuin
Academic Edition:
"The Romantic Ethic and the Spirit of Modern Consumerism was first
published by Basil Blackwell of Oxford in 1987. A paperback edition appeared
two years later, while in the following five years it was reprinted four
times. However although the intervening years have seen the appearance of
Italian, Portuguese, Slovenian and Chinese editions, no copies have been
available in English since 1998. This Alcuin Academic edition has therefore
been published in order to fill this gap, and more specifically to meet the
needs of those academics and students who have contacted me over the past
six or seven years in search of an English-language version of the book.
Naturally I have considered writing a revised edition (which indeed some
critics, as well as a few friends, have suggested is long overdue). However
I have decided against doing so at this time, preferring to direct my
energies elsewhere. This is, however, a task that I do intend to undertake
in the near future; and hopefully in time for the twentieth anniversary of
the book’s first publication in 2007."
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The Romantic Ethic and the Spirit of Modern Consumerism
To buy |
ISBN 1904623339
cover price £14.99
312 pages
by Colin Campbell |
`Campbell’s is a book of
exhilarating complexity. The excitement of the argument carries the
reader…and one must admire the breadth of his reading not only in sociology
but in theology, philosophy, aesthetics, literature, social and cultural
history. It will stimulate much critical debate and it is intended as a
compliment to conclude that it thoroughly deserves to.’ Times Higher
Education Supplement.
`An elegant and sophisticated essay…a powerful and profound study in
cultural and historical sociology. In current discussions about modernity
and post-modernity this lucid and engaging essay should be essential
reading. His essay should serve as a model for us all.’ Sociological
Analysis.
`In this immensely important book…Campbell will help to set the terms of
future debates and has already helped change the way we think about critical
elements in the transformation of the past into the present.’ American
Historical Review
`The book is a masterpiece of synthetic analysis and writing; the author
successfully weaves together a wide assortment of ideas from several
disciplines…Only the true Renaissance person would comprehend all these
ideas on a first reading; indeed, the experience of reading this book will
move the reader a long way down that path.’ Journal of Retailing
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`It would be a pity to give the impression in this review that Campbell’s
book is no more than an exceptionally erudite historical study. It is that
and much more besides…Chapter 5, in particular, is a brilliant piece of
socio-psychological analysis.’ Political Quarterly
`It is impossible to do justice to the complexity and sophistication of
Campbell’s argument in this short review…Suffice it to say that (his)
extension of (Weber’s) argument deserves no less detailed consideration than
the original.’ Work, Employment and Society
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