Dating and relationships Books

Book SynopsisA first-hand view of life in medieval France, as seen through the eyes of an elderly man instructing his young wife. The Goodman of Paris (Le Ménagier de Paris) wrote this book for the instruction of his young wife around 1393. He was a wealthy and learned man, a member of that enlightened haute bourgeoisie upon which the French monarchy was coming to lean with increasing confidence. When he wrote his Treatise he was at least sixty but had recently married a young wife some forty years his junior. It fell to her to make his declining years comfortable,but it was his task to make it easy for her to do so. The first part deals with her religious and moral duties: as well as giving a unique picture of the medieval view of wifely behaviour it is illustrated by a series of storiesdrawn from the Goodman's extensive reading and personal experience. In the second part he turns from theory to practice and from soul to body, compiling the most exhaustive treatise on household management which has come downto us from the middle ages. Gardening, hiring of servants, the purchase and preparation of food are all covered, culminating in a detailed and elaborate cookery book. Sadly the author died before he could complete the third section on hawking, games and riddles. This unique glimpse of medieval domestic life presents a worldly, dignified and compelling picture in the words of a man of sensibility and substance. The distinguished historian EILEEN POWER was Professor of Economic History at the University of Cambridge.Trade ReviewThis is a lovely book - full of interesting facts and insights for the archaeologist and historian but also with wonderful human stories. * FINDS RESEARCH GROUP NEWSLETTER *A must for writers and re-enactors, and a fascinating, entertaining read for anyone who has ever run a household. * HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW *Essential reading for the armchair historian or the more active re-enactor. An excellent publication. * WWW.RANDLESREVIEWS.CO.UK *An important text that deserves to remain in publication, especially in paperback form. * YEAR'S WORK IN ENGLISH STUDIES *

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Book SynopsisThrough tales of adultery and addiction, desire and its loss, good sex, bad sex and no sex, sexual power struggles, and childhood abuse this book covers the big questions about sex:· What is the nature of passion and desire· How can we remain faithful in a long-term relationship· What happens to sex when you have a baby· How anxiety and shame are the enemies of pleasure· How anger, blame and guilt put us off sex· How childhood messages turn us towards diverse behaviours and fantasies· How changing gender roles are playing out in the bedroom· How our sexuality develops throughout our lives· How to address sexual difficulties and find healing with sex therapy exercisesWhether we are sexually active or not, our sexuality is a vital part of our being. The variety and complexity of sex and sexuality are richly illustrated in these unique and compelling stories. Illuminated by psychological insights, they can bring informed awareness and healing to the reader.Trade ReviewThis intriguing little book examines our relationships with sex and ultimately considers how it can be understood as a form of healing. * Soul & Spirit *

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Book SynopsisYou meet someone. You fall in love. If all goes well, that person falls in love with you and you live happily ever after. Yet is finding love really that straightforward?Andrew Trees draws from the latest studies in economics, neuro-chemistry, game theory, evolutionary psychology and other fields to take on a topic we all think we understand - how we fall in love - and turn it on its head. Discover why:-Certain perfume fragrances make you appear slimmerHuman testicle size is an indicator of our promiscuous pastYou need to date twelve people to find Mr or Mrs Right - and the mathematical theory behind itPage turning, thought provoking, and sparkling with wit, Decoding Love offers surprising new insights into the nature of attraction, as well as an intimate look at the strange intersection of romance and the modern world of dating.Trade ReviewRevealed, the bizarre but true scientific secrets of attraction. Daily Mail Science and statistics can offer the best help with our quest for romance. Daily Mail Drawing on a variety of studies from different arenas including economics, game theory and evolutionary psychology, Trees uses scientific enquiry to create a more substantial insight into love. The Independent

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Book Synopsis

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