The Routledge Companion to Romantic Love

The Routledge Companion to Romantic Love is a comprehensive reference work that explores the interdisciplinary nature of love, romance, and popular romance fiction. It includes contributions from experts across cultural studies, history, literature, popular romance studies, American studies, sociology, and gender studies, covering various perspectives and regions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 444 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Companion to Romantic Love is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary reference work that serves as a vital resource for students and scholars engaged in the study of love, romance, and popular romance fiction. This groundbreaking volume showcases the vast and multifaceted nature of love studies, drawing contributions from esteemed international experts across various disciplines, including cultural studies, history, literature, popular romance studies, American studies, sociology, and gender studies. Comprising over 30 chapters authored by a team of distinguished international contributors, the Companion is organized into 12 distinct parts:

Love, Romance, and Historical and Social Change: This section explores the enduring themes of love, romance, and their relationship to historical and social transformations. It examines how love has been shaped by cultural, historical, and societal factors, and how it has influenced the evolution of human relationships.

Love and Feminist Discourses: This part delves into the complex interplay between love and feminist ideologies. It examines how love has been both challenged and empowered by feminist perspectives, and how it has contributed to the broader struggle for gender equality.

Love and Popular Romance Fiction: This section explores the world of popular romance fiction, examining its historical development, cultural significance, and its impact on readers and society. It explores the themes, characters, and narratives that characterize popular romance novels and their relationship to broader cultural trends.

Love, Gender, and Sexuality: This section examines the complex intersections of love, gender, and sexuality. It explores how love is shaped by gender norms, stereotypes, and power dynamics, and how it has influenced the experiences of individuals across different gender identities and sexual orientations.

Romancing Australia: This section focuses on the romance communities in Australia and Southeast Asia, exploring their unique cultural practices, traditions, and narratives of love. It examines how these communities have shaped the broader cultural landscape and how they have negotiated the challenges of globalization and cultural diversity.

Nation, Place, and Identity in US Popular Romance Novels: This section explores the role of nation, place, and identity in US popular romance novels. It examines how these novels depict and construct notions of national identity, regional identity, and cultural heritage, and how they contribute to the broader discourse on American culture and society.

Romantic Love and National Identity in Chinese and Taiwanese Discourses of Love: This section examines the complex relationship between romantic love and national identity in Chinese and Taiwanese discourses. It explores how love is expressed, negotiated, and interpreted within these cultural contexts, and how it contributes to the construction of national and cultural identities.

Muslim and Middle Eastern Romances: This section explores the romance communities in Muslim and Middle Eastern societies, examining their unique cultural practices, traditions, and narratives of love. It examines how these communities have adapted to the challenges of modernity and globalization, and how they have preserved their cultural heritage while embracing Western influences.

Discourses of Romance Fiction and Technologies of Power: This section explores the relationship between romance fiction and technologies of power. It examines how romance fiction has been used as a tool for social commentary, political critique, and the exploration of power dynamics within society. It also explores the ways in which technologies, such as smartphones and social media, have influenced the way media and popular culture.

Writing Love and Romance: This section examines the art and craft of writing love and romance. It explores the techniques, strategies, and approaches used by writers to create compelling and authentic love stories. It also examines the ethical considerations and challenges involved in writing about love and romance, particularly in the context of contemporary society.

Legal and Theological Fiction and Sexual Politics: This section explores the intersection of law, theology, and sexual politics in romance fiction. It examines how romance novels have been used to explore legal and theological issues, such as marriage, divorce, custody, and religious beliefs, and how they have contributed to the broader debate about sexual morality and ethics.

This comprehensive and unique collection is designed to appeal to researchers and students across cultural studies, women and gender studies, literature studies, and sociology. It provides a rich and diverse perspective on the study of love, romance, and popular romance fiction, offering valuable insights and perspectives that will enhance their understanding of these complex and multifaceted phenomena.

Weight: 820g
Dimension: 246 x 175 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032061474