The Theory of The Leisure Class An Economic Study of Institutions by Thorstein Veblen 1934 Modern Library Political Science Economics books

This is a very good hardcover, NO dust jacket, jacket missing. 1934 Modern Library. This copy is very good inside and out. NOTE: previous owners name written inside front cover. Rest of inside pages very good and clean with only light natural tanning from age. The binding is tight and straight. Green hardcover boards are also very good with only very light shelf wear. 12mo book size or 5" x 7" with 404 pages including index. Illustrated endpapers front and back featuring Modern Library logo.

Modern Library began publishing series of books in 1917. They were extremely popular, especially with students, as they were copies of great literature and topics that were priced for the general public. The publishing firm of Boni Liveright started the series, as the idea stemmed from Albert Boni. The first title published was The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. Early editions were published in "pocket book" size for easy carrying to read anywhere and they were bound in leatherette. Boni & Liveright was sold in 1925 and transformed into Modern Library. In 1927, Random House was borne out of Modern Library and pictorial dust jackets were introduced to the series, along with hardcover boards. As publishing changed, Modern Library fell to the wayside but was "reintroduced" in the 1970's. Early editions are collectibles and later titles remain favorites as many collect Modern Library editions of all ages.

This edition is The Theory of The Leisure Class An Economic Study of Institutions by Thorstein Veblen. It includes a foreword by Stuart Chase. It is a book of economics and sociology. It is a critique of consumerism and consumption as a function of social class. The author argues that the wealthy engage in conspicuous consumerism and leisure that contribute nothing to society and it is the middle class who is employed and contribute to supporting the whole of society. The book was published during the Gilded Age when billionaires such as Rockefeller, Carnegie and Vanderbilt held high places in industry and social class.

Thank you for visiting Bobbis Bookstore !!