The third edition of Consumerism in World History explores the nature of consumerism and its evolution, with particular emphasis on the modern "consumer revolution" and its global scope.

Peter N. Stearns is a Distinguished University Professor of History Emeritus at George Mason University, USA. He has written and taught on a variety of subjects in world history, including consumerism. He has worked extensively on the modern history of emotion, including its links to consumerism, and has researched other specific aspects of consumerism, such as the rise of the birthday party.