Who Wrote the Book of Love?

Newswise — The modern Valentine's Day card had its origin in the concept of a medieval system of rules known as courtly love, UAB English Professor Flowers Braswell, Ph.D. "Love was codified during that time," says Braswell. "Marriages were arranged and not for love, so you took a lover. A woman couldn't refuse the advances of a knight, even if she was married." One of the most influential rulebooks of courtly love in the 12th century was "De Amore" by Andres Capellanus. "De Amore" defined love and the proper behaviors of upper class men and women. According to the "De Amore" rules of love: "Nothing prevents a woman from being loved by two men" and "He who suffers from an excess of passion is not suited to love." Braswell has written and edited several books, including "Chaucer's Legal Fiction: Reading the Records" (2001), "The Arthurian Tradition" (1988) and "The Medieval Sinner" (1983). She teaches classes on the Arthurian legend, Chaucer and 14th century England.