Louise Hill Curth Bücher

Early modern almanacs have received relatively little academic attention over the years despite being the first true form of British mass media. While their purpose was to provide annual information about the movements of the stars and the corresponding effects on Earth, most included 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 and early modern medical beliefs and practices, this study argues that these cheap, annual booklets played a major role in shaping contemporary medicine in early modern England. The book discusses the various types of medical information and advice in almanacs, preventative and remedial medicine for humans, and the under-explored topic of animal health care.

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. -- .