Super Short Summary

The Art of Courtly Love by Andreas Capellanus, composed between 1186 and 1190, explores the concept of love through a didactic dialogue with a man named Walter who seeks advice on love. The text examines love's nature, its proper pursuit among the upper and middle classes, how to provoke and sustain it, behaviors that increase or diminish it, and ultimately argues against the pursuit of love by highlighting the inherent flaws in women's natures and the associated moral and spiritual dangers. The book contains discussions about extramarital affairs and critiques of various social classes and clergy.