Just Looking (Routledge Revivals)

Experience the captivating exploration of early consumer society in Rachel Bowlby's enlightening book, Just Looking (Routledge Revivals). First published in 1985 and reissued in 2009, this thought-provoking text spans 204 pages and delves into the complex interplay between gender constructions and cultural values in Britain, France, and the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Bowlby focuses on the influential works of renowned authors such as Theodore Dreiser, George Gissing, and Emile Zola, unraveling the central paradox of that era: the contrasting notions of "commerce" and "culture." This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of literature, economics, and the evolving definitions of femininity and masculinity during a transformative period in history. With its rich analysis and engaging insights, Just Looking is an essential addition to the library of literature and cultural studies enthusiasts.