The Poetry of Kissing in Early Modern Europe

Exploring the genre of Neo-Latin "kissing-poems," this book reveals how Renaissance poetry's conventions of kissing were more nuanced than modern critics acknowledge. It traces the genre's roots from Catullus to Janus Secundus, highlighting its influence on both Latin and vernacular literature. Through vivid examples, the author discusses the genre's irony, mood, and structure, while offering new insights into the works of English writers like Sidney, Shakespeare, and Donne. The study emphasizes the significance of Neo-Latin poetry in shaping early modern British literary culture.