Melancholy, Medicine and Religion in Early Modern England : Reading 'The Anatomy of Melancholy'

"The Anatomy of Melancholy, first published in 1621, is one of the greatest works of early modern English prose writing, yet it has received little substantial literary criticism in recent years. This study situates Robert Burton's complex work within three related contexts: religious, medical and literary/rhetorical. Analysing Burton's claim that his text should have curative effects on his melancholic readership, it examines the authorial construction of the reading process in the context of other early modern writing, both canonical and non-canonical, providing a new approach towards the emerging field of the history of reading. Lund responds to Burton's assertion that melancholy is an affliction of body and soul which requires both a spiritual and a corporal cure, exploring the theological complexion of Burton's writing in relation to English religious discourse of the early seventeenth century, and the status of his work as a medical text"--Provided by publisher. "Introduction: Zisca's drum: reading and cure; 1. Imagining readings; 2. The cure of despair: reading the end of The Anatomy of Melancholy; 3. Printed therapeutics: The Anatomy of Melancholy and early modern medical writing; 4. The whole physician; 5. Speaking out of experience; 6. The structure of melancholy: from cause to cure; Conclusion"--Provided by publisher.

the Anatomy Of Melancholy, First Published In 1621, Is One Of The Greatest Works Of Early Modern English Prose Writing, Yet It Has Received Little Substantial Literary Criticism In Recent Years. This Study Situates Robert Burton's Complex Work Within Three Related Contexts: Religious, Medical And Literary/rhetorical. Analysing Burton's Claim That His Text Should Have Curative Effects On His Melancholic Readership, It Examines The Authorial Construction Of The Reading Process In The Context Of Other Early Modern Writing, Both Canonical And Non-canonical, Providing A New Approach Towards The Emerging Field Of The History Of Reading. Lund Responds To Burton's Assertion That Melancholy Is An Affliction Of Body And Soul Which Requires Both A Spiritual And A Corporal Cure, Exploring The Theological Complexion Of Burton's Writing In Relation To English Religious Discourse Of The Early Seventeenth Century, And The Status Of His Work As A Medical Text.

Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 5 Copyright......Page 6 Dedication......Page 7 Contents......Page 9 Acknowledgements......Page 11 Abbreviations......Page 13 Note on Citation......Page 14 Introduction......Page 15 Imagining Readings......Page 38 Reading the End of The Anatomy of Melancholy......Page 64 The Anatomy of Melancholy and Early Modern Medical Writing......Page 90 The Whole Physician......Page 125 Speaking Out of Experience......Page 151 The Structure of Melancholy......Page 180 Conclusion......Page 209 Bibliography......Page 217 Index......Page 234 Presenting a new literary approach to Robert Burton's The Anatomy of Melancholy, this study demonstrates the work's significance within early modern literary culture. Lund investigates the way in which Burton imagines and treats his reader, paying particular attention to his understanding of reading as a therapeutic process for melancholics.