Shoplifting in Eighteenth-Century England

Shelley Tickell (Royalty Account)

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English

Boydell & Brewer
17 August 2018

History; British & Irish history; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900; Social & cultural history; Bargains

Series: People, Markets, Goods: Economies and Societies in History

As a new consumer culture took root in eighteenth-century England and shops proliferated, the crime of shoplifting leaped to public prominence. Shoplifting in Eighteenth-Century England examines the nature and impact on society of this commercial crime at a time of rapid retail expansion during the long eighteenth century. As a new consumer culture took root in England and shops proliferated, the crime of shoplifting leaped to public prominence. In 1699 shoplifting became a hanging offence. Yet whether compelled by need or greed, shoplifters continued to operate in substantial numbers on the shopping streets of London and provincial towns. Regarded initially as exclusively a crime of the poor, the eighteenth century witnessed a transformation in the public perception and understanding of such customer theft, signalled by the shocking arrest of Jane Austen's wealthy aunt for shoplifting in 1799.

This book shows, through systematic profiling of those who committed this crime, that shoplifting was primarily a crime of the poor and predominantly an opportunist one. Providing both quantitative analysis and engaging insights into real-life stories, the book describes the variable strategies adopted by shoplifters to raid elite and poorer stores, the practical responses of shopkeepers to this predation and the financial impact on their businesses. It investigates the trade lobbying that led to the passing of the Shoplifting Act, the degree to which retailers co-operated with the judiciary and their engagement with the capital law reform movement of the later eighteenth century. Examining the range of goods stolen, the book also addresses questions of whether or not this form of theft was driven by consumer desire andsuggests that more subtle social and economic motives were at work.

SHELLEY TICKELL is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire

By: Shelley Tickell (Royalty Account)
Imprint: Boydell & Brewer
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: v. 13
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 424g
ISBN: 9781783273287
ISBN 10: 1783273283
Series: People, Markets, Goods: Economies and Societies in History
Pages: 236
Publication Date: 17 August 2018
Audience: Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Shoplifting in Eighteenth-Century England

[A] valuable and excellent study that will be of particular interest to historians of crime, consumption, retailing, and of eighteenth-century studies. HISTOIRE SOCIALE / SOCIAL HISTORY Readers interested in legal, economic and social history will find many.evocative pieces of evidence and analysis. REVIEWS IN HISTORY [A] worthy book. TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT