Books like Marriage, a history by Stephanie Coontz

Stephanie Coontz’s *Marriage, a History* surveys the evolution of marriage from its early legal and economic roots in ancient societies through the rise of love as the primary basis for matrimony in the nineteenth century. By combining rigorous historical research with clear, engaging prose, Coontz argues that the current emphasis on romantic love is a recent development and that earlier marital practices were largely pragmatic and socially regulated. The book examines how this shift reshaped both the institution of marriage and individuals’ personal relationships, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary marital debates. Drawing on a wide range of historical sources, Coontz explores the social, legal, and cultural changes that have transformed marriage over millennia, while maintaining an accessible and insightful narrative for a general readership.

First publish date: May 23, 2005