
This second anthology of love by Victoria's Secret is a collection of pieces of verse and prose matched with images of equal beauty and romance. The result is another treasury of words and pictures on the theme of love's infinite variety. Every lover will recognize the tremulous uncertainties of first love depicted here, the simple longing expressed anonymously in a Victorian valentine, the glow of happiness felt by Elizabeth Bennett in the knowledge of her love, and Tess of the d'Urbervilles' profound and endless joy. No woman can ever have received more tender expressions of love than Fanny Brawne from John Keats, or more seductive persuasion than Teresa Guiccioli from Lord Byron; and no man can ever have received a more heartfelt and moving declaration of devotion than Anne Bradstreet's husband of three centuries ago. All the pieces in these pages have been paired-- whether bashful confessions or urgent pleas, ecstatic celebrations or poignant adieus-- with images that not only reflect them in mood and content, but also add a further dimension to the intensity and beauty of the words. The book is lightly scented and comes in a lovely box.
This anthology captures the multifaceted nature of human affection through a curated selection of verse and prose paired with evocative imagery. The collection serves as a thematic exploration of romantic experience, ranging from the tentative beginnings of new attraction to the profound depths of long-standing devotion. By drawing on historical literary figures and anonymous expressions of sentiment, the work constructs a framework that examines love as both a personal and universal phenomenon. The narrative structure is non-linear, allowing the reader to move between different eras and emotional states without a singular plot trajectory.
Readers often note the aesthetic focus of this collection, highlighting the intentional pairing of visual art with classic literary excerpts. Discussion frequently centers on the book's role as a gift item, given its specific physical presentation and thematic consistency. Critics observe that the selection provides a broad survey of romantic literature, though it prioritizes emotional resonance over academic analysis. The pacing is intentionally slow, encouraging the reader to engage with individual pieces rather than consuming the text in a single sitting. Many appreciate the inclusion of both well-known historical figures and anonymous voices, which adds depth to the overall exploration of the theme.
Page Count:
95
Publication Date:
1990-01-01
Publisher:
Victoria's Secret
ISBN-10:
0191111961
ISBN-13:
9780191111969
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