Kiss: Intimacies from Writers

A deliciously diverse anthology of essays, stories, poems and graphic memoirs, exploring the deeply human act of kissing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2019
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

From Sioux Falls to Khartoum, from Kyoto to Darwin; from the panchayat forests to the Giants Causeway; in taxis and at bus stops, in kitchens and sleigh beds, haystacks and airports—people are kissing one another. The sublime kiss. The ambiguous kiss. The broken kiss. The kiss that changes a life. Far from the scripted passion of Hollywood, this uniquely human gesture carries within it the possibility for infinite shades of meaning and it does not stop for anything—not war, revolution or natural disaster.

In The Kiss, authors like Nick Flynn, Kristen Radtke and Pico Iyer explore our quest to bridge the gulf between ourselves and others through this fleeting physical connection, and to uncover the depths contained in words like tenderness, passion and love.

The kiss is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, connecting us to our deepest emotions and desires. It can be a tender expression of affection between lovers, a passionate embrace between friends, or a simple act of kindness between strangers. The kiss has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and create lasting memories.

In this collection of essays, authors explore the many facets of the kiss, from its historical and cultural significance to its emotional and physical effects. They examine the different types of kisses, from the gentle peck on the cheek to the intense, passionate embrace. They also explore the role of the kiss in literature, art, and popular culture, and how it has been depicted and interpreted over the centuries.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the kiss is its ability to convey a wide range of emotions. It can be a symbol of love, passion, tenderness, or even vulnerability. The kiss can be a way to express our deepest desires and fears, or to simply show our appreciation for someone else. It can be a moment of intimacy and connection, or a moment of escape and detachment.

The kiss can also be a powerful tool for social change. In times of war, revolution, or natural disaster, the kiss has been used as a means of protest and resistance. It has been a way to show solidarity and support for those who are suffering, and to remind us of our shared humanity.

In conclusion, the kiss is a remarkable and complex phenomenon that has the power to inspire, connect, and transform. It is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, and has the ability to convey a wide range of emotions. In The Kiss, authors explore the many facets of the kiss, from its historical and cultural significance to its emotional and physical effects. They remind us of the importance of this fleeting physical connection, and of the potential for infinite shades of meaning contained within it.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 155 x 208 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393356885