The volume sounds out the methodological potential of the central narratological category of 'voice' in its relation to 'person' and specifies this category principally against the background of Genette and Bachtin. In addition to papers with a theoretical orientation, there are also case studies, these always being linked with more general methodological concerns. The main focus is on borderline cases for unequivocally determining the position of the speaker or speech in texts. The papers examine, for example, the position and function of the text itself as a literary 'voice', and whether polyphony can be described as a variety of 'autonomous voices' without recourse to the concept of 'person'. The authors draw up new concepts of 'voice' in narrative theory, discuss the phenomenon of 'multiple voices' in literary texts and examine the category of 'voice' for its relevance as an instrument of textual analysis. The volume investigates all aspects of the relationship between the narrator's speech and that of the narrative figures within the triad of author, narrator and figure, drawing in historical aspects and insights from the psychology of cognition and reception. In this it presents innovative fundamental research on central questions of modern narrative theory.

This book provides fundamentally new insights into the seemingly elusive concept of luxury using examples from real life and precise cases. The outstanding feature is the development of the first numerical luxury index allowing managers to compare various categories and signaling product opportunities. The concept of luxury signals leads to a large variety of additional marketing opportunities. Also, a new, precise and operational definition of luxury is developed. Providing empirical insights for Europe, America and Asia this book opens challenging perspectives to all those concerned with luxury. "The book Luxury: Marketing & Management will be of considerable interest to both managers and academics seeking to understand and manage luxury goods in the 21st Century." Prof. Dr. David B. Montgomery, Stanford University & former Dean, Singapore Management University "This new and interesting research provides insight into the unique world of luxury and I have no doubt will prove a fascinating read for consumers and managers. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been at the pinnacle of automotive luxury for over 100 years and it is enlightening to see scientific research on the industry." Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd "This book provides a large coverage of research on luxury, combined with new practical approaches, such how to analyze the luxury potential of a category on the basis of the price differentials. Very enlightening reading for managers and consumers alike." Prof. Dr. Gilles Laurent, HEC Paris "Many asked me in the course of the year what is the essence of luxury, and there is in my opinion a one world answer to this: luxury is pure emotion. In their book the authors provide an elaborated overview on luxury both from a researcher's and a manager's perspective. It's a must-read for those interested in luxury." Pietro Beccari, Executive Vice President Louis Vuitton "As a maker of high-end mechanical watches, we are impressed by the precision of this analysis on the meaning of luxury today and the practical and valuable conclusions for a successful management of luxury products. Most interesting work " Philippe Merk, CEO Audemars Piguet "This book's development of luxury signals provides a new and creative perspective of luxury. Reading it will amount to a very good investment for managers and be enlightening for consumers of luxury items around the globe. Fun to read " Prof. Dr. Kris Helsen, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)