' Edward Brooke-Hitching' s delightful book is a collection of curiosities. From a
19th-century lonely hearts ad to a nuptial blessing of the bride’s buttocks an entertaining
history of love over the millennia that proves when it comes to the heart little has
changed.' Daily Mail - - - - - - From the author of the critically acclaimed The
Phantom Atlas and The Madman’s Library ( Sunday Times Literature Book of the Year) comes a
magnificent new illustrated work. From prehistoric carvings and ancient Egyptian statues to
medieval spell books and Victorian code-writing this unique collection gathers a wealth of
curious objects and surprising stories to trace the story of love through the ages. Discover
the royal marriage that crossed the boundary of death in 14th-century Portugal the judicial
duels between husbands and wives in Early Modern Europe the love spells found in medieval
manuscripts and the romantic codes hidden in some of art’s greatest masterpieces. Meet the
feared ancient Greek army regiment comprised entirely of male couples the French pirate queen
avenging her murdered husband the first woman to sail around the world and the quack
sexologist who conned 18th-century London with his musical mechanical bed. Here are ancient
gods mythical monsters the Elizabethan portraits of smiling men on fire and the erotic
paintings hidden beneath the ash of Pompeii as well as Nigerian wedding chains Welsh love
spoons cryptic postcards and the centuries-old cartographic tradition of mapping the heart. A
curiosity cabinet of romantic treasure Love: A Curious History in 50 Objects draws on a wide
range of sources to form a collection perfect for fans of beautiful illustrated works and
curious history while also forming the ideal romantic gift. ‘In his new book Edward
Brooke-Hitching sets out to explore this mysterious emotion. Throughout this lusciously
produced volume he dissects a range of weird and wonderful objects that illustrate the diverse
ways by which humans have expressed their loves and lusts.’ BBC History Magazine ' A
glorious cornucopia of a book celebrating love from the hilarious to the divine - as always
Brooke-Hitching' s encyclopaedic knowledge shines through.' Fern Riddell author Sex:
Lessons From History
