Love: A History — Simon May
Love: A History by Simon May examines how Western ideas of love developed across philosophy, religion, literature, and psychology. The Kindle edition presents a historical argument spanning more than 2,500 years, from Hebraic and Greek origins to modern expectations of love.
At a glance
- Traces the development of Western ideas about love over more than 2,500 years.
- Connects ancient Hebraic and Greek origins with Christianity and modern thought.
- Discusses thinkers and writers including Aristotle, Ovid, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Freud, and Proust.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes a wide historical and philosophical view rather than treating love as only a personal or romantic topic.
- Brings together perspectives from philosophy, literature, religion, and psychology.
- Kindle listing includes screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, X-Ray, Word Wise, and Page Flip.
Cons
- Its broad historical and philosophical approach may be less suitable for readers seeking practical relationship advice.
Technical specifications
13 specifications| Title | Love: A History |
|---|---|
| Author | Simon May |
| Publisher | Yale University Press |
| Publication date | July 19, 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 313 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0300177237 |
| File size | 2.8 MB |
|---|---|
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the history and philosophy of love in Western thought.
- Readers looking for a cross-disciplinary discussion of ideas from antiquity to modernity.
Less suited to
- Readers primarily seeking self-help guidance or step-by-step relationship advice.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
13% 13% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Customer feedback describes the book as enjoyable to read and says it offers a useful overview of love in Western history. Positive comments about readability may matter to readers tackling its long historical span, while the listing's broad philosophical subject remains more suited to reflective reading than practical relationship instruction.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as delightful to read.
- Feedback praises the content and its overview of love in Western history.
Frequently asked questions
What does Love: A History cover?
It traces Western ideas about love across more than 2,500 years, discussing religious, philosophical, literary, and psychological perspectives.
Which thinkers and writers are discussed?
The listing names Aristotle, Ovid, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Freud, and Proust among the thinkers and writers explored.
What Kindle features are listed?
The edition lists screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, X-Ray, Word Wise, and Page Flip.
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