Antique valentines tell a wide variety of intriguing histories. The earliest valentine still in existence is a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans. His wife received the greeting while Charles was jailed in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The Frenchman's valentine is a testament to love under any circumstance. This colorful Valentine's Day gift book presents over 200 vintage valentines. From mechanical cupids to handsewn lace, these historic treasures symbolize innocence, romance, and good clean fun. Valentine's Day legends, facts, crafts, recipes, and poems accompany this remarkable collection. In this volume, the author recounts the disputed origins of Valentine's Day, from the sacrifices of Saint Valentine to spring rituals to the yearly coupling of birds on February 14.

Legends of love, like the daring partnership between Cupid and Psyche, are explored. Poetic visions like Robert Burns' true "luve" and William Shakespeare's "sweet Romeo" add whimsy to the anthology. Valentine's Day chocolate cheesecake and other decadent recipes are sure to enrich any celebration. Lovers of all ages will delight in this book's wealth of information and the history behind our most romantic holiday. Michele Karl, author of numerous books on memorabilia, is a dedicated collector. She maintains a vast collection of dolls, children's books, costume jewelry, Marilyn Monroe items, and, of course, vintage valentines. A resident of Seymour, Tennessee, she is married with two children.