Fans pick 100 books like Luxury

By Peter McNeil, Giorgio Riello,

Here are 100 books that Luxury fans have personally recommended if you like Luxury. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Critical Luxury Studies: Art, Design, Media

Christopher J. Berry Author Of The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation

From my list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an academic my work is in the area of political theory and my interest in ‘luxury’ came from the awareness that it involved questions of history (why was it seen as a threat to the Roman republic) and socio-political issues around inequality and consumerism. I was awarded a grant to start the investigation and my university (Glasgow) published it along with other awards and it got picked up by the media with the consequence I had my ‘ten minutes of fame’ as I was interviewed by newspapers and on the radio.  My book is the eventual fruit of that study which has, in the words of more than one author, been judged ‘seminal’. 

Christopher's book list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?

Christopher J. Berry Why did Christopher love this book?

As its editors explain this collection of ten essays in its diverse ways aims to criticise the contemporary luxury industry. What I found valuable are the ways it challenges the assumptions of much of the literature which simply takes as given the roles luxury places in production, distribution, and especially consumption without challenging them for their wider impact. For anyone who is sceptical of those roles for encouraging waste, entrenching inequality, glorifying private indulgence and so on then this is a ‘must read’. The editors in their contribution directly engage with my argument.

By John Armitage (editor), Joanne Roberts (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Critical Luxury Studies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Assembling the foremost scholars in this innovative, distinctive and expanding subject, internationally well-known critical theorists John Armitage and Joanne Roberts present a ground-breaking aesthetic, design-led and media-related examination of the relations between historical and, crucially, contemporary ideas of luxury. Critical Luxury Studies offers a technoculturally inspired survey of the mediated arts and design, as well as a means of comprehending the socio-economic order with novel philosophical tools and critical methods of interrogation that are re-defining the concept of luxury in the 21st century.


Book cover of Crafting Luxury: Craftsmanship, Manufacture, Technology and the Retail Environment

Christopher J. Berry Author Of The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation

From my list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an academic my work is in the area of political theory and my interest in ‘luxury’ came from the awareness that it involved questions of history (why was it seen as a threat to the Roman republic) and socio-political issues around inequality and consumerism. I was awarded a grant to start the investigation and my university (Glasgow) published it along with other awards and it got picked up by the media with the consequence I had my ‘ten minutes of fame’ as I was interviewed by newspapers and on the radio.  My book is the eventual fruit of that study which has, in the words of more than one author, been judged ‘seminal’. 

Christopher's book list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?

Christopher J. Berry Why did Christopher love this book?

What is especially good about this book and what I found stimulating was the diversity of both its contents and the differing backgrounds of the authors. It succeeds in bringing together the perspectives of both academics and practitioners which together provide a book that is not only readable, informative, and up-to-date but which also puts forward a point of view. Its very breadth and occasionally provocative arguments will excite anyone with an interest in luxury whether producer, consumer, or critic. References to my book recur in acknowledgment of its benchmark status. 

By Mark Bloomfield, Shaun Borstrock, Silvio Carta , Veronica Manlow

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crafting Luxury as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The idea of luxury has secured a place in contemporary western culture, and the term is now part of common parlance in both established and emerging economies. This book explores the many issues and debates surrounding the idea of luxury.

This new research addresses contentious issues surrounding perceptions of luxury, its relationship to contemporary branding as created by the marketers, and the impact this has on the consumer and their purchasing habits.

Crafting Luxury considers work within the field of luxury and luxury brands, encompassing established companies with a long heritage: from conglomerates and small independents to 'new' luxury and…


Book cover of Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster

Christopher J. Berry Author Of The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation

From my list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an academic my work is in the area of political theory and my interest in ‘luxury’ came from the awareness that it involved questions of history (why was it seen as a threat to the Roman republic) and socio-political issues around inequality and consumerism. I was awarded a grant to start the investigation and my university (Glasgow) published it along with other awards and it got picked up by the media with the consequence I had my ‘ten minutes of fame’ as I was interviewed by newspapers and on the radio.  My book is the eventual fruit of that study which has, in the words of more than one author, been judged ‘seminal’. 

Christopher's book list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?

Christopher J. Berry Why did Christopher love this book?

This is a deservedly best-selling book that decries what the author judges to be the decline of true luxury products into mass-produced items. The luxury industry she believes has sacrificed integrity and hoodwinked consumers. The book’s strength is its investigative reportage of how (so-called) luxury goods are actually made but, as befits the writer’s non-academic, journalistic background, this is done in a readable, accessible way. While it is very different from my own work, its stimulating discussion will prompt those whose interest it piques to explore the issue more widely.

By Dana Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Deluxe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Dana Thomas's Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Lustre goes deep inside the workings of today's world of profit margins and market share to discover the real meaning of 'luxury'.

Fashion may be fabulous, but what's the true price of luxury? From the importance of fashion owners, to red carpet stars and the seasonal 'must-have' handbags, Dana Thomas shows how far illustrious houses have moved from their roots. Thomas witnesses how these 'luxury' handbags are no longer one in a million, discovers why luxury brand clothing doesn't last as long, and finds out just who is making your perfume.

From terrifying…


Book cover of Luxury Fever: Weighing the Cost of Excess

Christopher J. Berry Author Of The Idea of Luxury: A Conceptual and Historical Investigation

From my list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an academic my work is in the area of political theory and my interest in ‘luxury’ came from the awareness that it involved questions of history (why was it seen as a threat to the Roman republic) and socio-political issues around inequality and consumerism. I was awarded a grant to start the investigation and my university (Glasgow) published it along with other awards and it got picked up by the media with the consequence I had my ‘ten minutes of fame’ as I was interviewed by newspapers and on the radio.  My book is the eventual fruit of that study which has, in the words of more than one author, been judged ‘seminal’. 

Christopher's book list on answering the question, what is ‘luxury’?

Christopher J. Berry Why did Christopher love this book?

Frank’s book is the work of well-known and respected economists who has the considerable ability to translate what could be dry technical analyses into engaging and approachable prose. This makes his discussion of luxury stand out so that those with no expertise can not only understand but enjoy this book. I found its commitment and seriousness thought-provoking and it is by far the best book on luxury from an ‘economic’ perspective. He uses the discipline’s tools to argue that though pursuing luxuries is rational from an individual perspective it is irrational from a wider societal perspective. He also puts his ‘money where his mouth is’ by advocating social/taxation policies to assuage the ‘fever’. My book features in his bibliography but his agenda is very different and (of course) none the worse for that.

By Robert H. Frank,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Luxury Fever as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The turn of the twenty-first century witnessed a spectacular rise in gross consumption. With the super-rich setting the pace, everyone spent furiously in a desperate attempt to keep up. As cars and houses grew larger and more expensive, the costs were enormous--not only monetarily but also socially. Consumers spent more time at work and less time with their family and friends; they saved less money and borrowed more. In this book, Robert Frank presents the first comprehensive and accessible account of these financial choices. Frank uses scientific evidence to demonstrate how these spending patterns have not made us happier or…


Book cover of Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Luke Hildyard Author Of Enough: Why It's Time to Abolish the Super-Rich

From my list on wanting to eat the rich.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the Director of the High Pay Centre, a London-based think tank researching the causes and consequences of economic inequality. In most major economies, the richest 1% of the population now take up to a fifth of all income and something like a quarter to a third of all wealth. These rich jerks aren’t necessarily bad people, at least not in all cases, and we don’t literally need to eat them all. However, such extreme concentration of income and wealth is undeserved and unnecessary, and it should definitely be an overriding priority to share it in a fairer and more even way.

Luke's book list on wanting to eat the rich

Luke Hildyard Why did Luke love this book?

This is an obvious choice, but it’s obvious for a reason–it sets out clearly and rigorously the extent to which the super-rich across multiple different countries suck up an ever-increasing share of aggregate income and wealth.

There’s doubtless some satisfaction from being one of the small proportion of purchasers to get through all 700+ pages, but it’s actually quite readable and peppered with literary references to writers like Jane Austen and Honore Balzac.

By Thomas Piketty, Arthur Goldhammer (translator),

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked Capital in the Twenty-First Century as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times #1 Bestseller
An Amazon #1 Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Sunday Times Bestseller
A Guardian Best Book of the 21st Century
Winner of the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award
Winner of the British Academy Medal
Finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award

What are the grand dynamics that drive the accumulation and distribution of capital? Questions about the long-term evolution of inequality, the concentration of wealth, and the prospects for economic growth lie at the heart of political economy. But satisfactory answers have been hard…


Book cover of Think and Grow Rich

Paula Swope Author Of Thought Snob: The Modern Spiritual Playbook for a Better Life

From my list on women who are ready for change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although each book is different, they have all been written for the same reason—to help people obtain the life they dream of. About twenty years ago, I was broke, miserable, and surrounded by toxic people who wanted to see me fail. I had no money or support, and my future looked quite dismal until a self-help book appeared out of the clear blue. A self-help book changed the trajectory of my life, and that’s why I am passionate about this topic. After studying self-help books and dedicating my whole existence to being better, I pivoted my work from fundraising to helping people find their life purpose the way I did. 

Paula's book list on women who are ready for change

Paula Swope Why did Paula love this book?

There’s a reason this book is the bestselling success book of all time. When I first read it, this sentence changed my perspective about my wealth ability: “Success comes to those who become success conscious” (p.11). So, if there’s a secret to accumulating wealth, that’s it. According to Hill, if you think it’s impossible to be wealthy, it is, but if you think it’s possible, it is. 

The bottom line is if you’re struggling financially, look no further. This book holds the information that will mold you into a wealthy person. You will learn how to use your innate powers to attract the amount of money you desire. I was broke when I bought this book with little knowledge about the power of my thoughts. After reading it, I was no longer clueless, and I was no longer broke.

By Napoleon Hill,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked Think and Grow Rich as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is one of the bestselling motivational books of all-time. Inspired by a suggestion from industrialist Andrew Carnegie, Hill explains the philosophy that helped the wealthiest and most accomplished members of society succeed.


Book cover of I Will Teach You to Be Rich

Jason Vitug Author Of You Only Live Once: The Roadmap to Financial Wellness and a Purposeful Life

From my list on financial wellness books with a holistic approach.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a finance major who worked in banking, so I knew what I needed to do with money, but I found it challenging to follow through. The books I previously read were money books written by financial gurus who always used yelling and shaming as their teaching method. It never aligned with me. I started writing books with more compassion and an understanding that there are other variables affecting your financial health. I continue to read and recommend books written by people who aspire to help others by giving them knowledge and the space and grace to grow without the guilt trip.

Jason's book list on financial wellness books with a holistic approach

Jason Vitug Why did Jason love this book?

This was one of the first money books I read because it was recommended by a friend. I liked how easy it was to read, and I learned a great deal.

Although, at first, it read a bit “bro-ey,” his humor grew on me. I like its direct approach to money without the jargon and confusion. I also learned that the updated version has changed a bit to reflect less in-your-face and more about giving us space.

By Ramit Sethi,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked I Will Teach You to Be Rich as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The groundbreaking NEW YORK TIMES and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER that taught a generation how to earn more, save more, and live a rich life—now in a revised 2nd edition.
 
Buy as many lattes as you want. Choose the right accounts and investments so your money grows for you—automatically. Best of all, spend guilt-free on the things you love.
 
Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi has been called a “wealth wizard” by Forbes and the “new guru on the block” by Fortune. Now he’s updated and expanded his modern money classic for a new age, delivering a simple, powerful, no-BS 6-week…


Book cover of Quit Like a Millionaire: No Gimmicks, Luck, or Trust Fund Required

Nicole Antoinette Author Of What We Owe to Ourselves: a 500-mile hike on the Colorado Trail

From my list on when you want to quit your life and escape to the mountains.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former indoor kid and big-city girl, and I never imagined I’d wind up spending months of each year pooping in the woods—by choice! But walking all day every day on footpaths through the wilderness has become one of the greatest loves of my life, and I’m so glad to have books by other adventurous folks to keep me company when I’m back at home. I’ve written two of these books myself: How To Be Alone and What We Owe to Ourselves. I also write a weekly newsletter called Wild Letters, where I share honest stories of self-exploration both on and off the trail.

Nicole's book list on when you want to quit your life and escape to the mountains

Nicole Antoinette Why did Nicole love this book?

It might seem strange for a long-distance hiker to recommend a book on personal finance, but let’s not pretend that much of living an adventurous life (however you’d like to define that for yourself) comes down to the logistics of money, time, and other resources.

I learned so much from Kristy in this book, and I loved her non-preachy writing style and the honesty with which she told her story. Yes, this is a step-by-step guide, but for me, it felt like so much more than that: a truly inspiring and uplifting reminder that we don’t need to settle for the status quo.

By Kristy Shen, Bryce Leung,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Quit Like a Millionaire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From two leaders of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, a bold, contrarian guide to retiring at any age, with a reproducible formula to financial independence.

A bull***t-free guide to growing your wealth, retiring early, and living life on your own terms.

Kristy Shen retired with a million dollars at the age of thirty-one, and she did it without hitting a home run on the stock market, starting the next Snapchat in her garage, or investing in hot real estate.

Learn how to cut down on spending without decreasing your quality of life, build a million-dollar portfolio, fortify your…


Book cover of 30 Days to Taming Your Finances

Scott LaPierre Author Of Your Finances God's Way: A Biblical Guide to Making the Best Use of Your Money

From my list on finance books for biblically conservative Christians.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the teaching pastor of Woodland Christian Church, a role I've held since 2010. I preach God’s Word 1 to 3 times weekly, and I'm also a conference speaker and author. While I do some counseling and discipling, my main focus is on teaching and preaching, which involves studying God’s Word for 20 to 30 hours per week. I've learned biblical financial principles and I'm passionate about equipping people with them. With ten children on a single-income pastor’s salary, I've had to apply these principles in my own life, which has reinforced their importance and effectiveness.

Scott's book list on finance books for biblically conservative Christians

Scott LaPierre Why did Scott love this book?

Ms. Pegue is a speaker and television host on TBN. She made a splash in 2005 with her book, 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, which she then capitalized on by publishing a “30 Day Series.” This book was second in the series.

We want authors to have credibility, and Debra was an accountant for many years and a certified behavioral consultant. This has helped her understand not just finances but people’s behaviors. She brings those together in this book to help people manage their finances well.

By Deborah Smith Pegues,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 30 Days to Taming Your Finances as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Deborah Smith Pegues, author of the popular 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue (over 500,000 copies sold), now offers friendly, doable money management strategies in 30 Days to Taming Your Finances.

Giving readers the benefit of her many years' experience as a public accountant and certified behavioral consultant, Deborah sheds light on the emotional and practical side of putting finances in order. The wealth of information readers will gather includes how to

forget past financial mistakes and start fresh stop emotional spending and still be content fund future objectives with confidence

Each day's offering will inspire and motivate readers to…


Book cover of The Origin Of Wealth: Evolution, Complexity, and the Radical Remaking of Economics

Gerald Ashley Author Of Two Speed World: The impact of explosive and gradual change - its effect on you and everything else

From my list on decisions bloody decisions.

Why am I passionate about this?

With a long background in international banking and finance I am an advisor, writer, and speaker on behavioural risk, disruptive change & decision making. My primary interest is in understanding the decision making and risk taking processes of people and organisations, and how we can make better decisions and take more profitable risks. In addition, much of my research and work concentrates on how to understand emerging trends in business; and how our own biases and behaviours affect the way we either succeed or fail in new environments.

Gerald's book list on decisions bloody decisions

Gerald Ashley Why did Gerald love this book?

A fascinating look at Complexity Science and so-called self-organising systems and how they contribute to wealth creation.

This a rather long, and maybe slightly daunting, book. A criticism might be that the author is long winded in some of his detailed examination of new themes and ideas in economics. However, at the heart of the book is the desire to understand how real people, make real decisions in the real world.

By Eric Beinhocker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Origin Of Wealth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Economics is changing radically. This paradigm shift, the biggest in the field for over a century, will have profound implications for business, government and society for decades to come.

In this groundbreaking book, economic thinker and writer Eric Beinhocker surveys the cutting-edge ideas of the leading economists, physicists, biologists and cognitive scientists who are fundamentally reshaping economics, and brings their work alive for a broad audience.

These researchers argue that the economy is a 'complex adaptive system', more akin to the brain, the internet or an ecosystem than to the static picture of economic systems portrayed by traditional theory. They…


Book cover of Critical Luxury Studies: Art, Design, Media
Book cover of Crafting Luxury: Craftsmanship, Manufacture, Technology and the Retail Environment
Book cover of Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster

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