'The Kiss Sacred and Profane: An Interpretative History of Kiss Symbolism and Related Religio-Erotic Themes is an ambitious exploration of the kiss as a complex and multifaceted symbol throughout Western culture. Rather than cataloging the kiss in all its varieties, the book focuses on its role as a religio-erotic motif, tracing its significance from ancient rituals and early Christian traditions to the Renaissance and beyond. The author examines how the kiss has served as a metaphor for spiritual communion, erotic union, and even the exchange of life force, revealing its connections to broader themes of love, desire, and sacred transformation. Drawing from anthropology, psychology, and literature, the work delves into poetic imagery, theological exegesis, and cultural practices to unravel the enduring mystique of the kiss.'
First published in 1969.
First University of California Press edition, 1969
Good condition. Fair amount of edge wear and small tears to the jacket. Cover and spine in great condition; clean interior.
