Disease and Society in Premodern England

This book provides a comprehensive overview of disease in England,using primary source material and secondary works to explore how infectious diseases affected people and society,and how they were dealt with in the past and present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive textbook delves into the rich tapestry of disease in England, drawing upon a vast array of primary source materials, including chronicles, legal records, medical treatises, and secondary works sourced from historical and scientific scholarship. By presenting students with a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, it seeks to provide a deep understanding of the various diseases that plagued the country throughout its history.

The book takes a multi-faceted approach, exploring how infectious diseases like plague, syphilis, and the English Sweat, as well as everyday medical concerns such as dysentery, impacted the lives of individuals and the mechanisms by which they spread. It sheds light on the social and cultural implications of these diseases, highlighting the ways in which they shaped society and the responses of individuals and communities to them.

In addition to providing a historical perspective, the book also examines the various coping strategies employed by people in response to disease. It explores the advancements in hygiene and sanitation practices that helped mitigate the spread of diseases and compares these measures with contemporary approaches to disease prevention and control. By doing so, it enables students to gain insights into the evolution of medical knowledge and the social reactions to disease over time.

Furthermore, the book delves into the differences and similarities between the social reactions to and ways of dealing with disease in the past and present. It explores the historical context in which diseases emerged and the societal structures and beliefs that influenced how people perceived and responded to them. It also examines the contemporary challenges posed by diseases, such as the global spread of infectious diseases and the impact of lifestyle choices on health.

Through its comprehensive coverage of disease in England, this textbook serves as an invaluable resource for students studying history, medicine, and public health. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the historical and contemporary aspects of disease, enabling students to develop a broader perspective on the complex interplay between disease, society, and human behavior.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 162 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032104133