Rating: 
Summary: Reviews are in!
Review: The Washington Post Book World: "(Graff's) first-person interjections turn what could have been a dry textbook into a lively personal examination of what it means to choose a life partner (regardless of age or sex)." The San Francisco Chronicle: "With the patience of a saint, and the wit and wisdom of that favorite professor at college, Graff Shows in _What is Marriage For?_ how and why marriage in the 20th Century is about love, money, social justice, stable homes for adults and children and constitutional democracy...all who are caught up in the same-sex marriage debate will find Graff's book invaluable."
Rating: 
Summary: Well-researched and entertaining
Review: This book is a well-researched, thorough treatment of the history of marriage in Western civilization. In addition, it is entertaining and witty, and makes an excellent case for marriage's continuing evolution.
Rating:
Summary: Original, unique, informative, funny, and entertaining
Review: This book is a wonderful read. It talks about the history of marriage in a way that is incredibly engaging, and also grounded in careful historical research. There is no other book which presents the history of marriage in the US and Europe in this way; most such books are quite dry but not this one. The author uses the wide variety of functions of marriage over the years to craft a persuasive argument in favor of allowing marriage by same-gender couples. But the book is much more than that! It discusses religion, economics, law, and a host of other social phenomena as they have related to marriage over the centuries, in a format that is brilliantly organized and eminently readable. This book makes a great wedding present or birthday present. It is timely and important. Marriage is the subject of much public policy discussion these days, and this book gives readers an informed, nuanced perspective on the institution. It is especially strong in pointing out the ways that what many of us think of as "traditional marriage" has changed over the years. The author shows, in her entertaining way, that many of the things we take for granted as part of "traditional" marriage (like Love, for example), actually are rather recent additions to the elements of marriage. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, well-researched read
Review: This is a great book. It is not only well-researched, but also witty, insightful, and a very engaging read. It's impressive how accessible Graff has made this material; there's a lot of very detailed information packed into a small book, but it's never dry or difficult to read. Her arguments in favor of same-sex marriage are thoughtful and very well-reasoned -- I now feel much better prepared for discussing same-sex marriage with family and friends.
Rating:
Summary: Informative, surprising, AND engagingly funny!
Review: What a pleasure to find a highly readable social history that's as illuminating as it is entertaining. Graff's lively book skillfully demolishes many long-held myths about marriage, and reveals a host of surprising anecdotes to show that this institution has changed considerably over the centuries -- and must keep evolving if it is to survive. A real eye-opener -- elegantly argued, and graced with wit and warmth.
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