History of the Self: Love

Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating by Moira Weigel explores the history of dating from the early 20th century to the present day. The book argues that dating is a social construct influenced by industrialization, urbanization, and economic shifts, particularly the rise of consumer capitalism. Weigel examines how dating has been a form of labor, especially for women, and how it reflects and shapes societal norms and gender roles. The book also discusses the impact of technological advancements and market forces on contemporary dating practices, challenging the notion that dating is a natural or timeless phenomenon[1][4][5].

Magnificent Rebels delves into the lives of a remarkable group of young intellectuals, including poets, novelists, and philosophers, who congregated in Jena between roughly 1794 and 1806. The book captures their epic quarrels, passionate love affairs, and the intellectual ferment that defined the early Romantic movement. Wulf argues that this period saw the birth of modern individuality, with these figures exploring radical notions of free will, individual creativity, and liberty. The book is based on meticulous research from diaries, correspondence, and literary works, bringing to life the personal interactions and intellectual controversies of this influential group[1][3][4].