Will You Marry Me?: Seven Centuries of Love

by Helene Scheu-Riesz (Editor)

" Madam, it is in your power to take me off this rack.... " -- JOHN RUSSELL TO LADY FRANCES RICH, COUNTESS OF WARWICK

This lavishly illustrated tribute includes marriage proposals spanning seven hundred years, all delivered in the form of love letters. Each of these enchanting missives illustrates the unique sensibilities of the time period in which it was written, from the commanding negotiations of the Gothic age to the beautifully written declarations promising eternal devotion of the Renaissance and beyond.



Unabashedly nostalgic -- not to mention irresistibly romantic -- Will You Marry Me? transports modern-day lovers to a time gone by, when ordinary people and historical figures alike poured their hearts onto the page for their soul mates. Jonathan Swift, Sir Walter Scott, Victor Hugo, Friedrich Nietzsche, and King Henry VIII (to Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour) are represented in this diverse and enormously entertaining collection.



Will You Marry Me? is for members of any generation, from those who are hopeless romantics at heart to amateur history buffs who long for a glimpse of the past. Whether there is a proposal in your future or just the wistful dream of a secret admirer, this timeless collection combining history and romance is one to cherish.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2008

Reviews

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1940, reissued in 2008, this is a collection of marriage proposals (via letter) that spans many ages and styles. The author even includes 'a proposal by proxy' from David as he sends Uriah to the frontlines so that he (David) may pursue Bathsheba, Uriah's wife. The other letters range from 1220 letter from Isabella of Angouleme to King Henry of England to two 1893 letters from August Strindberg, a Swedish dramatist, to Frieda Uhl and her father Friedrich Uhl. In between, there are letters from kings (Henry VIII to both Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour), queens, emperors (Napoleon), authors (Jonathan Swift, Victor Hugo), composers (Robert Schumann), and philosophers (Nietzsche). The introductions make these interesting and give some context. The collection does seem a little uneven, but it was still a quick read and a fun look at proposals through the ages.

Quote from one letter (this was too good not to remember):

...since, Madam, it is in your power to take me off this rack, it concerns your generosity very much not to use cruelty to one who cries you quarter, and casts himself at your feet, where I beg that you would be pleased sometime that I am, Madam, your Ladyship's most humble and dutiful servant.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories were ok but kind of hit and miss as far as being super interesting. Several of the letters featured obscure characters from history so it was a little difficult to put things into context. However, being that the book was first published in 1940, it's possible I'm just too uneducated now, almost 80 years later!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My particular favourite was also the shortest: "Madam, You are a very charming woman, and I should be happy to obtain you as a wife. If you accept my proposal I will tell you who was the author of Junius" (Samuel Parr to Jane Morsingale, p.71). Divided by era, this book explores the affectations and passions of men proposing to women in letters from 1035 to 1893.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was slightly amusing. The letters of Henry VIII and Abraham Lincoln are glimpses into history. There is no modern letters since that is not the way things are done anymore. Good for a day at the beach or on a plane.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved reading these proposal letters and learning some of the history. most were beautifully written...others were understandable why they got turned down, haha. but if you love romance and history i highly recommend this book.

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short quick book with love letters written over the past seven centuries. Some were dry and boring but some were sweet and romantic. I thought it was interesting to read how people expressed themselves years ago and love the irony that some things truly never do change.

[Haven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. The author didn't do a very good job of elucidating the various styles of letters, nor did she give enough examples of letters. It's a very quick read and while some of the letters are fascinating it's not enough to save the book.

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not being a History person, I found this pretty boring. I seem to recall a friend telling me at one time there were some pretty sweet lines in it... maybe that was a different book:)

[Katie | katieturnsthepage · Rating 1 out of 5]

VERY short. I read it in less than an hour. And the letters weren't even all that great. I was very disappointed.

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unintentionally hilarious.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skimmed through this book. Not as exciting as I had expected.