"Konstan (classics, New York Univ.) provides original insights into love in ancient times. Though brief, the book challenges traditional belief on ancient love and theoretical compensation in a concise and clear way'. Relationships today are perceived quite differently than they were by the ancient Romans and Greeks, for whom love was much more subtle. These subtleties are the backbone of Konstan's study. Highly Recommended." -- CHOICE "The tension between altruism and reciprocity runs through the entire work, without Konstan falling into the trap of anachronism . This book clearly shows that Greek and Roman writers (especially philosophers) -- among others -- have elaborated what we now define as altruistic views of love and friendship.

" -- Doralice Fabiano, Emotions: History, Culture, Society "The book provides a welcome extension to currently available studies on love in the classical world, drawing as it does on a broader canvas and providing a refreshing reminder that other forms of love rather than the erotic were just as prominent and just as socially, politically and philosophically relevant. In so doing the author sheds light on some hitherto obscure features not just of ancient life but of modern life as well." -- Paul Chrystal, Classics for all "In this elegant and entertaining book David Konstan probes the affective, ethical, and social dimensions of love and friendship in ancient Greece and Rome. Ranging widely over literary and philosophical sources, Konstan deftly explores issues of selfhood, identity, and other-concern that are as relevant today as they were for the ancients." --Douglas Cairns, University of Edinburgh "For a long time David Konstan has been our leading interpreter of Greek and Roman friendly love. In this masterful new book, he achieves yet deeper insights, showing how an ideal of disinterested love informs a wider set of values: loyalty, gratitude, grief, and political solidarity. Written with Konstan's sui generis combination of insight, scholarship, philosophical rigor, and grace, In the Orbit of Love simultaneously illuminates and charms." --Martha C.

Nussbaum, University of Chicago.