Love in America: A Cultural History of the Past Century

by Lawrence R. Samuel

Overview

 Widely considered the most complex of human emotions, romantic love both shapes and reflects core societal values, its expression offering a window into the cultural zeitgeist. In popular culture, romantic love has long been a mainstay of film, television and music. The gap between fictitious narratives of love and real-life ones is, however, usually wide--American's expectations of romance and affection often transcend reality. Tracing the history of love in American culture, this book offers insight into both the national character and emotional nature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476638072
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	11/22/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	171
File size:	4 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Lawrence R. Samuel is the founder of AmeriCulture, a Miami- and New York-based consultancy helping organizations translate the emerging cultural landscape into business opportunities. He writes the Psychology Yesterday, Boomers 3.0, and Future Trends blogs for PsychologyToday.com. He lives in Miami, Florida.
Lawrence R. Samuel is the founder of AmeriCulture, a Miami- and New York-based consultancy helping organizations translate the emerging cultural landscape into business opportunities. He writes the Psychology Yesterday, Boomers 3.0, and Future Trends blogs for PsychologyToday.com. He lives in Miami, Florida.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
1. Our National Melancholia, 1920–1939
2. America’s No. 1 Problem?, 1940–1959
3. Revolt Against Love, 1960–1979
4. Are You Lovable?, 1980–1999
5. Your Brain on Love, 2000–2009
6. Ex Machina, 2010–
Conclusion
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Do you think Love is eternal? Timeless? Always sublime Love in America: A Cultural History of the Past Century will persuade you otherwise. Lawrence Samuel takes readers on a gallop through the 20th century, showing how ideas about love, and its expression, have changed dramatically, along with social and cultural shifts. Using popular culture, expert advice, literature, and commentary from lovers themselves, Samuel shows that the meaning of love, for better or for worse, is constantly in flux.”—Elaine Tyler May, author of Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era

From the Publisher