What Is Marriage For?

E. J. Graff’s What Is Marriage For? is the place to start reading for anyone thinking about the words ‘lesbian,’ ‘gay,’ and ‘marriage’ in the same sentence. It’s engaging, it’s fun, and it puts the lie to those prophets of gloom and doom who think every push for greater equality-whether it be women’s suffrage, reproductive rights, or interracial marriage-signals the end of civilization. –Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry

“A thought-provoking review of the vicissitudes of this ancient institution.” -Joseph Glenmullen, Boston Globe

“A font of fascinating information . . . Graff marshals an array of sources and anecdotes dating back to the ancient Hebrews into a narrative that is . . . vivid and accessible.” –Anne Kingston, Toronto Globe and Mail

“An enlightening romp through the history of marriage in western Europe and the U.S.” -Cassandra West, Chicago Tribune