Discover the Penguin books that shaped us

Shapely Ankle Preferr'd

A History of the Lonely Hearts Advertisement

What do women look for in a man? And what do men look for in a woman? And how and why has this changed over the centuries?

Every week thousands of people advertise for love either in newspapers, magazines or online. But if you think this is a modern phenomenon, think again - the ads have been running for over three hundred years. From the first ad in 1695 from a young gentleman who 'would willingly Match himself to some Good Young Gentlewoman, that has a Fortune of £3000 or thereabouts' to the GSOH, WLTM and online dating of more recent years, each ad is a snapshot of its age. The result is a startling history of sex, marriage and society over three centuries - hilarious and heartbreaking by turn.

Wonderfully enjoyable

Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday

About Francesca Beauman

Details
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • ISBN: 9780099513346
  • Length: 224 pages
  • Dimensions: 198mm x 16mm x 129mm
  • Weight: 212g
  • Price: £15.99