Book: A Natural History of Love by Diane Ackerman

Hardcover, 1994. Excellent used condition. No marks, no tears, no dog-ears. Spine in great shape and no missing pages. Very slight scuffing on the dust cover. "A splendid, serious, scientific, poetic, playful, and lyrical exploration of love's many forms and faces. Ackerman combs through history, literature, biology, and pop culture in search of "the great intangible." She juxtaposes Cleopatra with Abelard and Heloise, Freud with Blade Runner. She explores the allure of adultery, the appeal of aphrodisiacs (including a Roman concoction made from rotting fish entrails), and the cult of the kiss. She reveals the secrets of insatiable lovers like Casanova and Don Juan while baring the trauma of an entire society that has lost its ability to love. Enchantingly written, stunningly informed, this book arouses and transports."