a world history of marriage
"For thousands of years, marriage was a business transaction between two families. Fathers chose husbands for their daughters to build power, wealth, and social status. Rules about acceptable spouses were strict. Interfaith and interracial marriages were often forbidden. Over the centuries, laws and traditions governing marriage have changed dramatically ... In some places, however, centuries-old customs are still firmly in place. Modern matrimony has ... [both its good and bad sides. This book shows both] the good and the bad, with people from around the world discussing the complexities and the joys of marriage"--Provided by publisher.
