The Book of Love: A Treasury Inspired by the Greatest of Virtues

THE BOOK OF LOVE examines the possibilities and challenges of love, inviting the reader to enter the imaginations of others who have examined this greatest of all virtues. Images of love give wing to imagination and the lifting of our spirits as the words through the centuries and from across the world inspire reflection. Some sections give obvious answers to love's meaning even as others present the troubling aspects of love that can confound us all.Authors Andrew M. Greeley, a Catholic priest and best-selling author, and his sister Mary G. Durkin, a pastoral theologian and author, co-edit this collection on love. Drawing from poetry, folklore, sayings, music, stories and autobiographical reflections, these experts from around the world examine the question of love's meaning. More than just sentimental mush, in the hands of these editors, love unfolds as defining virtue that bonds us each to the other and to the divine. THE BOOK OF LOVE comes very highly recommended.

In this collection of poetry, vignettes, Bible verses, legends, and classical literary quotes, the editors delve into the nature of the finest human emotion, that of love. All forms of it are examined, young love and old, love lost and love that is never lost, love between Man and God, love in families, romance, love of nature, etc. Even though many of the stories will be familiar, seen in this new presentation, they take upon added depth and meaning. Readers will come away knowing that love is both the most simple thing in the world, and at the same moment, the most complex. Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.