Customer Reviews

Women and Romance: A Reader

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You would think, from the A Reader part of the books title,
that this is just another esoteric textbook edited by a professor who
is a foremost authority in her particular niche. But the Lichtenstein
cartoon cover of the book is an immediate clue that the contents
within these covers also has a much more popular appeal. Although
there occasionally may be some jargon excerpted from literary
specialty journals, there is very much here that the average
intelligent reader will appreciate and enjoy.

The book deals
historically, psychologically, sociologically and philosophically with
the time-honored controversial concept that romance is associated
primarily with the female gender. In the book, this quote from Byron
beautifully defines the theme:

Mans love is of mans life a
thing apart,
Tis womans whole existence.

The editor,
Susan Ostrov-Weisser, does a superb job in organizing all the facets
of this relationship , beginning with a section on its historical
evolution. The book is actually a compilation of excerpts from
reknowned and obscure literary and non-literary works, including
novels, literary magazines and journals, Harlequin and other
romance novels, personal letters, love magazines,
love comics, Hollywood movies and even popular song
lyrics. Through these vehicles, the topic of Romance is thoroughly
explored with a wide-ranging variety of compelling aspects including
(but far from being limited to) Feminism, Extra-marital Affairs and
African-American Relationships. There are so many jewels in this
showcase of articles, it is impossible to choose just a few
favorites.

I especially appreciated Prof. Ostrov-Weissers
trenchant, incisive paragraphs preceding each entry, illuminating and
clarifying its significance and place in the greater scheme, and
sometimes even gratuitously adding some gossipy
information. Also, the way this publication is organized and
structured conveniently enables the reader to skip around from one
place or subject to another, without having to read straightforwardly
from cover-to-cover, and still derive great satisfaction from a
fascinating subject. In the Anthology category of publications, I
enthusiastically award this collection five stars.

A rad read! I loved this book! It's so much fun to read and has great information! <3