Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe

Rating:
Summary: Must read for anyone talking about "traditional" marriage
Review: The other reviews cover most of the issues with this book admirably. One could have appropriately, but less titilatingly, retitled the book "Unions in Pre-Modern Europe", since his study was fairly balanced between two-sex and same-sex unions. It is certainly an eye-opener for those of the "traditional" marriage hue and cry. "Traditional" marriage as we see it today was unknown until the late middle ages, although that sort of union among same-sex couples was known from the earliest. The church did not recognize marriage as a sacrament until about 800 years ago. Those today who speak of traditional marriage need to read their history to know whereof they speak. I found his writing immensely readable and enjoyable. Although I have not yet read his first work, it is certainly now on my list.

Rating:
Summary: Must read for anyone talking about "traditional" marriage
Review: The other reviews cover most of the issues with this book admirably. One could have appropriately, but less titilatingly, retitled the book "Unions in Pre-Modern Europe", since his study was fairly balanced between two-sex and same-sex unions. It is certainly an eye-opener for those of the "traditional" marriage hue and cry. "Traditional" marriage as we see it today was unknown until the late middle ages, although that sort of union among same-sex couples was known from the earliest. The church did not recognize marriage as a sacrament until about 800 years ago. Those today who speak of traditional marriage need to read their history to know whereof they speak. I found his writing immensely readable and enjoyable. Although I have not yet read his first work, it is certainly now on my list.

Rating:
Summary: Great thesis wrong approach
Review: This book had some interesting things to say but it went about it in the wrong way. First of all, I think this book demonstrates that marriage is more then superficial ceremonies and the exchanging of rings. I found it a great expose' on how same sex unions can be just as affective as heterosexual ones. ... The problem with this book is that its just so dry. The ton of footnotes make it a chore to read and a couple of chapters could be left out altogether. I would love to listen to an abridged version of this book on CD. It would be more interesting and probably would get Boswell's argument across to the lay reader more efficiently. I manage to get through most of it but I got tired in the end. It was like he kept repeating the same points over and over again. A more simplified version would be welcomed with all the footnotes in the back well away from the main text. Conclusion, an interesting thesis but not a read for everyone.