Uncovers the vital role that new scientific discoveries played in Romantic literary culture.

The bestselling author of A Natural History of the Senses now explores the allure of adultery, the appeal of aphrodisiacs, and the cult of the kiss. Enchantingl

The romance novel has the strange distinction of being the most popular but least respected of literary genres. While it remains consistently dominant in bookst

"Night-attack of wolves in Mongolia." "Nearly fatal combat with a kangaroo." "Comic scenes with the Elephant." "Captain Herriman examines a supposed Sea-serpent