Consumed - by Harry Wallop (Paperback)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

* * * * '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

About the Author

Harry Wallop is a feature writer at The Daily Telegraph and was previously the paper's award-winning Consumer Affairs Editor. He writes for the main feature pages on a number of consumer stories, from utility bills and the cost of a weekly shop, to food scares, personal finance, internet trends, and holidays. He is also a regular presenter of Ch4 consumer programmes such as Food: What's in Your Basket?, SuperScrimpers and Dispatches documentaries. He is married with four young children. This is Harry's first book.