The kiss and its history

A lively yet erudite study invites listeners to travel through centuries of affection, tracing how a simple kiss has been celebrated, codified, and sometimes feared. Drawing on the author’s expertise in Romance philology, the work weaves together poetry, folklore, and scholarly commentary, offering a mosaic of voices from Dante to Heine that illuminate the gesture’s many meanings.

The opening chapters pose a surprisingly subtle question: what exactly is a kiss? By juxtaposing child‑like innocence with the complexities of courtly love and religious symbolism, the author shows how the act has shaped language, art, and social customs. Readers will enjoy the witty cautions and lyrical excerpts that make the subject feel both intimate and universal, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of romance’s most enduring secret.