This memorable collection of love stories ranges widely over cultures and periods, with love itself defined broadly. Though the majority of the stories deal with romantic love, the anthology is not confined to it. Stories are included that highlight, for example, the love between parents and children, the love of friends (Gloria Naylor's Etta Mae Johnson), even the love of animals (Balzac's Passion in the Desert). Women writers, and various ethnic traditions are strongly represented, as well as important gay writers. Including a wide range of acclaimed modern authors such as Gloria Naylor, Muriel Spark, and Eudora Welty, the Treasury presents love as seen through the eyes of Dante, Lawrence, Joyce, Nabokov, and many others.