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Gontents Illustrations an d Table s x i Acknowledgments xii i List of Abbreviations x v Introduction: Th e "Ope n Question " of Marriage i i. Dissolvin g Matrimonial Bonds : Divorc e i n the Ne w Republic 1 0 2. Weavin g the Bonds : Husbands' an d Wives ' Expectations o f Marriage 4 4 3. "I f W e Forsook Prudence" : Sexualit y i n Trouble d Marriages 7 6 4. "Crue l an d Barbarou s Treatment" : Th e Form s an d Meaning o f Spous e Abuse 10 3 5. Runaways : "Wilfu l an d Maliciou s Desertion " 13 9 6. Fo r a Maintenance: Th e Economic s o f Marital Discor d 15 6 Conclusion: Unravelin g th e Bond s 17 9 Notes 18 5 Select Bibliograph y 21 3 Index 22 1 IX ...

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