Love Factually
The Science of Who, How and Why We Love
Laura Mucha
Looks at the psychology and science behind one of life’s great mysteries – love
Poets, philosophers and artists have been trying to explain romantic love for centuries, but it remains one of the most complex and intimidating terrains to navigate. Most people are afraid to be open and honest about their relationships … until now.
For Love Factually, Laura Mucha has interviewed hundreds of strangers, from the ages of 8 to 95 in more than 40 countries, asking them to share their most personal stories, feelings and insights about love. These intimate and illuminating conversations raised
important questions, such as:
– How does your upbringing influence your relationships?
– Does love at first sight exist? Should you ‘just know’?
– What should you look for in a partner?
– Is monogamy natural?
– Why do people cheat?
– How do you know when it’s time to walk away?
Drawing on psychology, philosophy, anthropology and statistics, Love Factually combines evidence, theory and everyday experience and is the perfect read for anyone who is curious about how we think, feel and behave when it comes to love.
- Using such a huge variety of accounts from almost 200 strangers in over 40 different countries means that this book will appeal to people from all cultures, backgrounds and ages.
- Combines human interest stories with the rigour of academic research, and bridges the gap between story and science.
- Covers a wide range of different aspects of love – attachment style, infidelity, our expectations, non-monogamy and conflict.
Reviews
“First there was Plato’s Symposium. Then there was this: the well-researched twenty first century toolbox for everything you didn’t realise you needed to know about love.” – Allie Esiri, editor of The Love Book
Author Biography:
From a young age, Laura Mucha was fascinated by love, and for as long as she can remember, she questioned, interrogated and informally ‘interviewed’ virtually everyone she met about their relationships. After gaining an MA in Philosophy and Psychology
from the University of Edinburgh, Laura spent many years travelling to every continent in the world, speaking to hundreds of strangers from a wide variety of backgrounds, listening to their intimate stories and personal philosophies.
In addition to her exploration of romantic love with scientists, philosophers, artists and musicians, Laura is also an award-winning poet, performer and broadcaster, appearing at festivals, theatres, music venues, schools and on radio.