This is a much-needed development from the first edition that provides an update on the theory and research on love by world-renowned scientific experts. It explores love from a diverse range of standpoints: social-psychological, evolutionary, neuropsychological, clinical, cultural, and even political. It considers questions such as: how men and women differ in their love, what makes us susceptible to jealousy and envy in relationships, how love differs across various cultures? As the neuropsychological basis of love is examined, this study showcases what attracts people to one another, why love has developed the way it has over time, and what evolutionary purpose it serves. It also analyses why and when love relationships both succeed and fail, which means readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of their own relationships and those of others, as well as what can be done to build a lasting, loving relationship.

‘The pervasive role that love (or lack of it) plays in every facet of every person's life is reflected in the diversity of the major researchers and theorists featured in this anthology. The first edition of this book, published over a decade ago, represented a milestone in the study of love. This edition is another.'

Ellen Berscheid - Regents' Professor of Psychology Emerita, University of Minnesota

‘This volume offers a great mixture of chapters that are updated (with the same authors) from the prior Sternberg volume on love with new chapters that include new themes and authors. The study of love and relationships has recently flourished, and therefore this volume is timely and a must-read for any student or scholar of relationships.'

Susan Sprecher - Distinguished Professor, Illinois State University, and President, International Association for Relationship Research