How and when did the kiss become a vital sign of romance and love? In this wide-ranging book, pop culture expert Marcel Danesi takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the history of the kiss, from poetry and painting to movies and popular songs, and argues that its romantic incarnation signaled the birth of popular culture.
'The History of the Kiss! The Birth of Popular Culture is exceptional - it demonstrates a complete command of all of the extant scholarly literature on the subject. Marcel Danesi has provided an exceptional analysis and elucidation of all of the kiss's meanings in the various cultural contexts in which it exists. This is the best account of a fascinating and important social gesture that I have ever read.' - Frank Nuessel, University of Louisville, USA "Danesi does it again: an entertaining and informative semiotic analysis showing that a mere trifle of popular culture is central to people's culture-specific understanding of who they are. Taking in origins, rituals, fiction, pictures, songs, movies, and the internet age, this book shows that the kiss is much more than an enquiry on the first floor as to whether the ground floor is available. It will be essential reading for media and cultural studies students and beyond." - Paul Cobley, Professor in Language and Media, Middlesex University, UK "Marcel Danesi's delightful book explores the science, art, history, and popular culture of humanity's most intimate exchange. Engaging and informative, The History of The Kiss! The Birth of Popular Culture will be treasured by readers for years to come." - Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of The Science of Kissing