Life of Breath in Literature, Culture and Medicine: Classical to Contemporary

This open-access book explores the significance of breath and breathing in literature, culture, and medicine, providing insights into the history of health, emotions, and beliefs. It highlights the connections between breath and creativity, phenomenology, and the body, spirit, and world. Contributions span various periods and draw from medical writings, philosophy, theology, and the visual arts. The book demonstrates the complex and symbolic power of breath across time, its connections to nature, spirituality, emotion, and consciousness, and its intersections with place, politics, and aesthetics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 555 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This expansive open-access book delves into the profound and multifaceted realm of breath and breathing, exploring their profound significance in literature, culture, and medicine. It offers invaluable insights into the historical evolution of medicine, health, and emotions, shedding light on the foundations of beliefs about the body, spirit, and the world. The book also explores the intricate connections between breath and creativity, as well as the phenomenology of breath and breathlessness. Contributions from various periods, spanning classical, medieval, early modern, Romantic, Victorian, modern, and contemporary eras, draw upon a diverse range of sources, including medical writings, philosophy, theology, and the visual arts, as well as literary, historical, and cultural studies. Through this rich tapestry of perspectives, the book illuminates the intricate and multifaceted nature of breath and breathlessness, revealing their profound impact on ideas of nature, spirituality, emotion, creativity, and being. It underscores the inseparable link between breath and notions of consciousness, spirit, inspiration, voice, feeling, freedom, and movement. Moreover, the volume showcases the enduring connections between breath and place, politics, and aesthetics, highlighting both contrasts and continuities. By delving into the depths of breath and breathing, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of their profound implications, offering valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 149 x 208 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030744458
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021