A History of Everyday Things : The Birth of Consumption in France, 1600-1800

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Summary: A master historian richly paints life in 18th-century France
Review: French historian Daniel Roche meticulously researches the everyday material culture of eighteenth-century France to create a subtle and nuanced picture of the lives of everyday people of the period. By examining developments such as plumbing and lighting in various urban and rural sections of France, Roche provides the reader with a way to approach history in a more intimate and empathetic manner. This is not a book for someone seeking a general history of 18th-century France, but for the reader who wants to get a detailed picture of daily life during this period, it is indispensible.