Love: A Celebration in Art & Literature

Love: A Celebration in Art and Literature is a collection of the most eloquent and artistic expressions of romantic love created since ancient times. This lavishly illustrated volume progresses from young love and courtship to passion, commitment, and the celebration of enduring, mature love. Each of the more than 140 literary selections and works of art has been chosen because it explores the affirmative, devotional, and nurturing aspects of love. Here is the thoughtful prose of Kurt Vonnegut, Carson McCullers, and Vladimir Nabokov; the exultant poetry of Shakespeare, D. H. Lawrence, Robert Bly, and E. E. Cummings; the shameless ecstasy of Cole Porter's "You're the Top"; the profundity of Martin Buber in I and Thou; the wit of Jean Giraudoux and Colette. Equally moving are the works of art, which include paintings, drawings, sculptures, cartoons, and illustrations gathered from museums and private collections around the world. The piece of art complements, contrasts, and creates a remarkable dialogue with the text. For this special 20th anniversary edition, the editors have selected a dozen new images and as many new literary excerpts, as well as a revised cover design that puts a fresh face on love. For those in love, in love with love, or in search of love, this book is a moving, beautiful, often surprising cause for reflection, renewal, and rejoicing.