Wanting and Having

The book explores the emergence of capitalist consumerism in nineteenth-century England, highlighting the rise of department stores and shopping arcades during the Victorian era. It contrasts the material abundance enjoyed by the affluent with the struggles of the lower classes, particularly during the 'Hungry Forties,' when many faced dire shortages of basic necessities. This examination reveals the complexities of economic progress and social disparity during a transformative period in British history.