THE VALENTINE AND ITS ORIGINS

by Frank Staff ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 20, 1968

A pleasant little nosegay imported from Britain all about the origins and evolution of the Valentine. St. Valentine himself, martyred right nastily by Claudius II on the 14th of February, had nothing to do with birds mating and billet doux. But through some inter-ethnic scramble at the time of the Roman occupation of Britain, the rather sprightly fertility rights of the feast of the Lupercalia, taking place on the 15th of February, absorbed the solemnities of the good Saint's day. Through the years coupling games, secret missives and exquisite-to-deplorable verse emerged to celebrate the Chosen One. But alas, all is not poesy, if one is to believe Mr. Pepys: ""Mrs. Pierce by and by come with my name in her bosom for her Valentine, which will cost me money!"" Charming illustrations, some in color, snatches of Valentine Poetry, and profiles of some Victorian Valentine artists. An un-Valentine price/ But ever so nice!

Pub Date: Jan. 20, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Praeger

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION