What does the "tradition of marriage" really look like? In A History of Marriage, Elizabeth Abbott paints an often surprising picture of this most public, yet most intimate, institution. Ritual of romance, or social obligation? Eternal bliss, or cult of domesticity? Abbott reveals a complex tradition that includes same-sex unions, arranged marriages, dowries, self-marriages, and child brides. Marriage—in all its loving, unloving, decadent, and impoverished manifestations—is revealed here through Abbott's infectious curiosity.
A History of Marriage
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'No thoughtful person - married, celibate, unfaithful or otherwise - should be without this book.' Mark Kingwell, author of The World We Want 'Deftly shows how this always fragile, yet always resilient institution has evolved. It's not always a pretty picture but it's a fascinating one.' Judith Timson, author of Family Matters 'Elizabeth Abbott has penned a masterpiece ... a wide-ranging account of how the social intersects with many forms of the personal.' Ahmad Saidullah, author of Happiness and Other Disorders
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About the Author
ELIZABETH ABBOTT is a writer, lecturer and historian with a special interest in women's issues, social justice, the treatment of animals, and the environment. She has a doctorate from McGill University in 19th century history. Her most recent book, A History of Marriage, completes her trilogy about human relationships following A History of Celibacy and A History of Mistresses. A History of Marriage was nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Her previous book, Sugar: A Bittersweet History, inspired by her Antiguan heritage, was short-listed for the 2009 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction. Born in Montreal, she has lived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and now resides in Toronto. She is a grandmother and owns three dogs.
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A history of marriage takes us on an engaging romp through civilization's quest for a social construct which will contribute to growth while conforming to the mores of the day. Richly described examples taken from archives speak to the dedication of the author. I love historians who can paint such vivid images, don't you? It is also refreshing to see Canadian history alongside that of its bigger and more powerful neighbor. A History of Marriage provides an engaging, and ultimately hopeful, read. Through the centuries, the human race seems to have sought a greater equality which may ultimately prove to be our salvation. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain perspective in these ideologically polarized times.
