"In this book historian Stephanie Coontz takes us on a journey from the marital intrigues of ancient Babylon to the sexual torments of Victorian lovers to the current debates over the meaning and future of marriage. She provides the definitive story of marriage's evolution from the arranged unions common since the dawn of civilization into the intimate, sexually fulfilling but volatile relationships of today." "Marriage, a History is the one book you need to understand not only the nuances of modern marriage but also the debates over gay marriage, "living together," and divorce. Stephanie Coontz shatters dozens of myths about the past and future of married life and shows us why marriage, though more fragile today, can be more rewarding than ever before."--BOOK JACKET.