Eating the Empire: Food and Society in Eighteenth-Century Britain

The book explores the profound impact of food on British society during the long eighteenth century, highlighting how foreign commodities like coffee, tea, and sugar transitioned from luxuries to everyday staples. It examines the connection between imperial trade and the rise of a consumer economy, showcasing how these goods influenced modern retail practices, advertising, and consumer credit. Additionally, it discusses how taxes on these imports funded the military and civil structures that maintained the British Empire, revealing the intricate relationship between consumption and imperialism.