The Curious History of Love
"As a commentary on the Western construction of love, the politics of   love in Western society, and an analysis of modern romantic love,   Kaufmann’s book has considerable value to anthropology. Plus, it is   written in a jocular tone, making it amusing to read even as it opens   some vistas on a taken-for-granted Western experience."Anthropology Review Database"As sociologists have  discovered the centrality of emotions as  organizers of social life,  Jean-Claude Kaufmann has emerged as the most  insightful student of how  romantic life is shaped through 'sentimental  education.' InThe Curious History of Love,  Kaufmann succeeds  in demonstrating that love has been shaped through  historical  contingencies and contemporary expectations. Focusing on how  women  experience this most curious sensation - the tingly experience  that we  call love - Kaufmann draws from history and from personal  stories to  produce a lively and astute analysis that speaks to the  emotional  economy as a source of joy and pain."Gary Alan Fine, Northwestern University