Widely considered the most complex of human emotions, romantic love both shapes and reflects core societal values, its expression offering a window into the cultural zeitgeist. In popular culture, romantic love has long been a mainstay of film, television and music. The gap between fictitious narratives of love and real-life ones is, however, usually wide—American's expectations of romance and affection often transcend reality.Tracing the history of love in American culture, this book offers insight into both the national character and emotional nature.