Overview
Does what we consume define who we are? Harry Wallop takes a fresh look at society and shows you to your place in today's modern consumer world. Are you an Asda Mum, Wood Burning Stover or Sun Skittler? Do you know a Portland Privateer or Rockabilly? And exactly who are the Hyphen-Leighs? Journalist Harry Wallop has spent a disproportionate amount of his working life chronicling the buying habits of the British people. Taking a sweep through the seismic changes that have happened in the UK since the end of food rationing in 1954, he argues that our social standing in today's society is no longer determined by the accent you speak with, the school you attended, or your parents. Rather, it is determined by the food we eat, our choice of holiday destination, the clothes we wear, the size of the TV we sit in front of, and whether you use a plug-in air freshener or a smelly candle. He shows us how retailers and big business are making the most of how we fit into these new social categories, and offers up some intriguing insights into the state of Britain today.
Full Product Details
Author: Harry Wallop
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Imprint: William Collins
Dimensions:
Width: 12.90cm
, Height: 2.40cm
, Length: 19.80cm
Weight: 0.270kg
ISBN: 9780007457106
ISBN 10: 0007457103
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 27 March 2014
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
'entertaining attempt to understand how we define ourselves through our consumer choices ... interesting social history, and achingly true observations' Observer 'light-hearted look at our lifestyles past and present ... lots to enjoy here and very of the moment,' Evening Standard 'breezy romp through the intricacies of our social structure' Guardian 'enjoyable study, backed up by some arresting research into our shopping habits.' **** 4 stars, Telegraph 'Wallop is a decent journalist and he's done a good deal of research. The section on how the supermarket chains break down their customers according to postcode is fascinating.' *** 3 stars, Mail on Sunday
* * * * 'Wallop offers up a compelling premise in Consumed. This is a breezy, enjoyable book, backed up by arresting research.' 'Harry Wallop is one of the sharpest and funniest journalists writing in Britain today. He has an instinct for the killer detail that truly brings a story to life' Jay Rayner 'An entertaining attempt to understand how we define ourselves through our consumer choices ... Achingly true' Observer 'A light-hearted look at our lifestyles past and present ... lots to enjoy here and very of the moment,' Evening Standard 'A breezy romp through the intricacies of our social structure' Guardian
Author Information
Harry Wallop is an award-winning journalist and feature writer at The Daily Telegraph. He also presents prime-time consumer programmes on Channel 4. Harry is married with four young children. This is his first book.
