"The discussion covers many sectors of cultural economy, from craft industries such as clothing and furniture, to modern media industries such as cinema and music recording. The commodities produced by these industries are imbued with significant aesthetic and semiotic content. Scott shows how these codes of meaning are related to economic imperatives and how they assume particular symbolic forms." "The role of the global city as a source of creative and innovative energy is examined in detail, with particular attention being paid to the cases of Paris and L's Angeles." "The book provides an invaluable discussion of the political economy of cultural commodities and of the predicaments associated with the increasing commercialization and globalization of culture. It will be required reading for serious students of sociology, cultural studies and geography."--Jacket.