English Almanacs, Astrology and Popular Medicine, 1550–1700

This volume will help to fill a gap in the current understanding of sixteenth and seventeenth century popular medicine. As the most widely produced and distributed form of printed material in early modern England, almanacs had an immense power to propagate and reinforce traditional, orthodox ideas about medical care throughout England. -- .

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Early modern almanacs have received relatively little academic attention over the years, despite being the first true form of British mass media. While their major purpose was to provide annual information about the movements of the stars and the corresponding effects on Earth, most contained a range of other material, including advice on preventative and remedial medicine for humans and animals. Based on the most extensive research to date into the relationship between the popular press, early modern medical beliefs and practices, this study argues that these cheap, annual booklets played a major role in shaping contemporary medical beliefs and practices in early modern England.

Beginning with an overview of printed vernacular medical literature, the book examines in-depth the genre of almanacs, their authors, target and actual audiences. It discusses the various types of medical information and advice in almanacs, preventative and remedial medicine for humans, as well as ‘non-commercial’ and ‘commercial’ medicines promoted in almanacs, and the under-explored topic of animal health care. -- .