This book investigates the burgeoning consumer culture in America between 1880 and 1920. It examines how the accumulation and display of goods became central to the American way of life during this transformative period, tracing the evolving relationship between material possessions and cultural identity. The work analyzes the societal shifts that led Americans to value status objects and to use consumption as a means of defining themselves and their place in society.

This scholarly work is recognized for its in-depth examination of American consumerism during a pivotal era. It is noted for its detailed analysis of how material possessions became intertwined with social status and cultural identity. The book provides a comprehensive look at the historical forces that shaped consumption patterns and the display of goods in late 19th and early 20th-century America.