rights inquiries: contact carolyn swayze or kris rothstein at reception@swayzeagency.com.  ©2010 pamela klaffke

Spree: A Cultural History of Shopping (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2003) from the back of the book: shopping is much more than the simple purchase of goods. as buying has become an essential part of life, shopping is irrevocably tied to our cultural identity, and we are a culture obsessed and beguiled by the desire for consumer goods. in spree, journalist, cultural columnist, and shopping addict pamela klaffke reveals the ritual that is now daily routine. her book is an entertaining and provocative study of shopping's rich and enduring history, from parisian arcades to american shopping malls, from the inventions of cash registers and shopping carts to the varied shopping customs around the world, from games shows to internet shopping and ebay. full of informative sidebars and fascinating photographs, spree documents how shopping has evolved from a need, to a want, to a sport. What the media is saying about Spree: A Cultural History of Shopping: “…a counterpoint to all the chatter. [Klaffke’s] book is as free of spin as Lucky magazine - and just as entertaining.” — The New York Times “…Klaffke has obviously had more fun than any writer should in writing about this ancient, usually female-dominated sport” — Booklist “Reading Spree is as satisfying as finding a good bargain.” — The Weekly Standard “In Spree, Klaffke veers easily from the business of retailing to pop culture…” — Associated Press “…a witty and insightful look at [shopping’s] place in modern life.” — Maclean’s magazine “The book tells you everything you ever wanted to know about shopping…” — Montreal Gazette “Spree is an exhaustively researched look into the history of shopping and how it has changed pop culture as we know it…the book is just a whole lot of fun.” — Nexus “Journalist Pamela Klaffke does for shopping what Margaret Visser did for table salt in her new book, Spree…” — Fashion magazine