The History of the Kiss!: The Birth of Popular Culture (Semiotics and Popular Culture)

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. What's more romantic than two people embracing, looking into each other's eyes, and kissing each other? But how should we make sense of this iconic act? How and when did it become a vital sign of romance and love? When the kiss first started to appear in narratives, poetry, and the songs of the medieval period, it was as something desirable, yet forbidden. Since then it has evolved into a symbol of love-making in the popular imagination. In this provocative book, pop culture expert Marcel Danesi explores how the kiss emerged as an act of betrayal and raw sensuality, in defiance of its spiritual and religious functions, and from there evolved into the amorous cultural gesture we know today. He takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the history of the kiss, from early poems and paintings to current movies and popular songs, and argues that its romantic incarnation signaled the birth of popular culture Review: 'The History of the Kiss by Marcel Danesi serves as part anthropological study and part celebration of this mysterious, sensuous, thrilling activity that holds such power over us all.' - New York Post "The History of the Kiss! is exceptional. 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 Front Matter....Pages i-xiii The Popular Origins of the Kiss....Pages 1-25 The Kiss in Symbol, Ritual, and Myth....Pages 27-47 The Kiss in Stories, Real and Fictional....Pages 49-75 The Kiss in Images....Pages 77-95 The Kiss in Songs....Pages 97-115 The Kiss Goes to the Movies....Pages 117-141 The Kiss in the Internet Age....Pages 143-158 Back Matter....Pages 159-179 " ... Explores the science, art, history, and popular culture of humanity's most intimate exchange."--Back cover