A Cultural History of Marriage

The idea of marriage has evolved in Western culture over 2,500 years,shaped by social and cultural conditions. 52 experts address this in six volumes, covering Antiquity, Medieval Age, Renaissance and Early Modern Age, Age of Enlightenment, Age of Empire, and Modern Age. Themes include courtship and rite, religion, state and law, kinship and social networks, family economy, love and sex, and the breaking of vows.

Format: Mixed media product
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Marriage has undergone significant changes in Western culture over the centuries, reflecting the evolving social and cultural conditions of the time. In this comprehensive work, 52 experts delve into the rich history of marriage, exploring its role, contributions to society, and its interaction with various aspects such as religion, law, society, and love. Spanning a period of 2,500 years, the six volumes of this book offer a comprehensive overview of marriage throughout different historical periods.

The first volume, Antiquity (500 BCE - 500 CE), delves into the early foundations of marriage and its role in ancient civilizations. It examines the various marriage customs, practices, and beliefs of different cultures and societies, highlighting the significance of marriage in shaping social and cultural norms.

The Medieval Age (500 - 1450) follows, focusing on the evolution of marriage during the Middle Ages. It explores the role of marriage in medieval society, including its importance as a means of social and economic stability, as well as its connection to religious institutions and feudalism. The book also examines the challenges and complexities faced by medieval couples, such as arranged marriages, polygamy, and the conflict between love and duty.

The Renaissance and Early Modern Age (1400 - 1650) sees a shift in marriage dynamics as society undergoes a period of transformation. The book explores the emergence of new ideas about love, courtship, and marriage, as well as the influence of the Enlightenment on marriage practices. It also examines the role of women in marriage, the rise of the nuclear family, and the changing attitudes towards sexuality and marriage.

The Age of Enlightenment (1650 - 1800) brings about further changes in marriage as society becomes more secular and rational. The book explores the Enlightenment's impact on marriage, including the promotion of individual rights, the decline of religious influence, and the emergence of new forms of courtship and marriage. It also examines the challenges and complexities faced by Enlightenment couples, such as the tension between tradition and modernity and the debate over monogamy and polygamy.

The Age of Empire (1800 - 1920) witnesses the expansion of European colonialism and the emergence of new imperial powers. The book explores the impact of empire on marriage, including the spread of Western cultural values, the influence of colonialism on traditional marriage practices, and the challenges faced by imperial couples, such as cultural clashes and the complexities of interracial marriage.

The Modern Age (1920 - 2000+), the final volume, continues to shape the evolution of marriage in the contemporary world. The book explores the changing attitudes towards marriage, including the rise of non-traditional marriages, the increasing diversity of marriage practices, and the challenges faced by modern couples, such as work-life balance, divorce rates, and the impact of technology on relationships.

The six volumes of this book are organized into themes that cover various aspects of marriage. These themes include courtship and rite, religion, state, and law, kinship and social networks, the family economy, love and sex, the breaking of vows, and representations of marriage. Each volume opens with a series preface and an introduction that provides context and insights into the theme being explored. The chapters within each volume are written by experts in their respective fields, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the topic.

The book concludes with notes, a bibliography, a list of contributors, and an index that make it easy for readers to reference and explore further. The page extent is approximately 1,728 pages, with c. 240 illustrations that enhance the understanding of the historical and cultural context of marriage.

In conclusion, this comprehensive work provides a rich and detailed exploration of the evolution of marriage in Western culture over the centuries. By bringing together the expertise of 52 experts, the book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the role of marriage in shaping society, culture, and individual lives. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and ever-changing dynamics of marriage in the Western world.

Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350355675