THE COMPLEAT LOVER

This is quite different from the orthodox anthology of love poems. It is distinctly scholarly, esoteric (rather than erotic), satirical, humorous, seldom purely sentimental. Most of the material is drawn from the classics, from literature of England, France, Spain, Italy, with little that is American. The mood dictates the choice, rather than the period, and it comes as a distinct surprise to find a selection from Dorothy Parker, though it is ""in the mood"". Straight erotica is in the minority, though the aphrodisiacs have their place, and there are some substantial quotations from classic sources. It is the sort of book that anyone seeking an unhackneyed quotation, a passage that might be considered somewhat precieuse, a pithy epigram -- will find to his need and taste. Not for the romantic lover who finds himself tongue-tied, and who wants to capture moonlight and honeysuckle. A book that should have a lasting place in college and public libraries.