Misers

Timothy Alborn is Professor of History at Lehman College and the City University of New York. He is the author of All That Glittered: Britain’s Most Precious Metal from Adam Smith to the Gold Rush (2019) and, previously, books on life insurance (2009) and corporate governance (1998).

"a vast, rich archive that builds a foundation for both deeper investigation into particular texts or genres, as well as for a broader discussion of capitalism and culture." - Peter J. Katz, California Northstate University, The Journal of Interdisciplinary History"There are some indications that the vexed separation of economics and history is being bridged, or at least patched, by something new, loosely called “his>tories of economic life.” If so, Alborn is surely among the founding practitioners of that approach. With earlier books on corporate governance, life insurance, and the cultural power of gold, Alborn has ranged widely across the experience of economic life in eighteenth and nineteenth century Britain. Misers is another valuable contribution" - Trevor Jackson, George Washington University, Eighteenth Century Studies"Misers’ strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, seamlessly blending literary analysis with cultural and economic history. It is a testament to the power of this kind of work in illuminating the complex interplay between economic realities and cultural representation. It not only enriches our understanding of literary tropes but also offers valuable insights into the cultural history of capitalism. Alborn’s work stands as a significant contribution to both literary studies and economic history, challenging readers to reconsider the cultural constructs that shape our understanding of wealth and its accumulation. A truly inspiring work" - Andrew McDiarmid, University College Dublin, Victorian Studies

• Introduction, 1. Miserable Sinners, 2. Necessary Evils, 3. Misers, Sex, and the Family, 4. The Butt of All Jokes, 5. Characters, 6. Saving Graces, 7. Succeeding Misers