Luxus (Sabine Becker)

Once a privilege of the aristocracy, from the 18^th century to the end of the Weimar Republic luxury developed into a bourgeois status symbol - a cornerstone of modern consumer society. This publication examines the ambivalence of the concept of luxury, from moral criticism to its key role as a driver of capitalist dynamics. Although industrialisation made luxury goods more widely available, new social inequalities were also created. Based on key topics - from colonial cuisine and architecture to fashion and design, as well as to increasing mobility and leisure - this volume unfolds a genealogy of abundance on the threshold of modernity. Against the backdrop of current debates on inflation, resource scarcity and social division, a critical perspective emerges on luxury and wealth today.

• Interdisciplinary contributions on the history of consumerism and luxury
• Focus on German- and French-speaking countries
• Baden-Baden as a European showcase for luxurious lifestyles

Sabine Becker, Tabea Mannßhardt, Frank Trentmann, Michael G. Esch, Burcu Dogramaci, Peter Peter, Eva Zimmermann, Sebastian Meixner