Richard Grassby Summary

In a case study of the pre-industrial society of early modern England, Richard Grassby looks at the concept of materials in formulating ideas and constructions of societies. Historians of material culture use artifacts to construct the socially symbolic meaning and norms of its time. Ultimately looking at goods as symbols and creating societal significance behind them. Asking how early modern England functioned and was experienced by those who lived in it. While explaining the methodologies that historians of material culture use, he also describes (REevaluate)
Grassby begins by explaining those who oppose material culture and why. Those that oppose include economic, Marxist theorist, who say that material goods are created and defined by