The eternal bliss machine;: America's way of wedding

by Marcia Seligson

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

One step further in my attempt to normalize my consumption of wedding reality shows as pop-soc rather than as schadenfreude.

I checked this book out because the hold list for Rebecca Mead's One Perfect Day was a mile long, and it's not exactly what I was looking for, but was kind of a trip in a bug-frozen-in-amber sort of way. Marcia Seligman hates your wedding, if you've had one. And if you haven't had one, you're probably a New Age hippie. Everyone is subject to her droll elitism (particularly those wacky Jews, though rich WASPS and lower-income white folks have their turn at the end of Seligman's sharp stick). This book, as well as Mead's more recent release, are frequently compared to Jessica Mitford's American way of Death, and the comparison is apt, but The Eternal Bliss Machine rankles in that there is little to no acknowledgement of the pathos and humanity at the core of the wedding, if not of the Wedding Industrial Complex. The book is long-form irony, with anecdotes amusing enough, and statstics alarming enough, to pull you through to the end. But it's hard to finish with much affinity for Marcia Seligman, who comes off as charming and empathetic as a member of the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated to be sure, but it was fun to read about some of the more unusual weddings.

The author was snarky throughout and I got the feeling that NO wedding would live up to what she expected a wedding to be. When I was reading the Jewish Princess chapter I kept thinking of what our author would think of the Gypsy weddings that are all over TV now....

I did appreciate a part of a chapter being devoted to gay/lesbian weddings -- interesting that we haven't gotten any further on that front 40 years later. In fact, it seems we have even gone backwards a bit...sad.

[Barbara Rice · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first read this book back in the mid-1970's, I thought it was absolutely wonderful, funny, and spot-on.

I recently re-read it and couldn't believe how snarky, sarcastic, and mean-spirited the whole thing was. No matter what wedding she was writing about, no matter who any of the particpants were, Seligson had nothing good to say about anyone or anything.

I suppose it was a slice of life from the time it was printed, but it's preetty piss-poor reporting. More like a personal rant. Doesn't mean there isn't funny and unusual stuff - there is - but oveall this hasn't aged well.

[Nancy Loe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seligson skewers bridezillas before the term was even coined - a wonderful sociological look at weddings in 1970s America.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book. I've been reading books about the Wedding Industrial Complex, and weddings in general, for a couple of months now. Especially enjoyed the chapter on the Poconos, as my parents and BFF honeymooned there and we live quite nearby.

However, I did get a bit tired of the author's sarcasm and cynicism. She seemed to be against the entire business of weddings.

Interestingly, what she calls a New Wedding is quite common today. It's no longer a big deal to have a barn wedding, get married on a beach, or in a meadow. Even when I got married in 1988, I was unaware of anyone having anything other than the standard church wedding with a reception at a hall or restaurant afterward.

All in all, an interesting trip back in time.