Health, Hedonism and Hypochondria - The Hidden History of Spas

Delve into the history behind the glamorous baths and spas of Europe to reveal the hidden past of alternative treatments. Popular with people from Romans to royalty and hypochondriacs to holiday-makers, natural water spas have been a common feature in society since the first century. Even today, we periodically abandon the cities to ''take the waters''.In their heyday, Europe''s spas were the main meeting places for aristocracy, politicians and cultural elites. They were the centres of political and diplomatic intrigue, and were fertile sources of artistic, literary and musical inspiration. The spas epitomised style and were renowned for their cosmopolitan atmosphere in a glittering whirl of balls, gambling and affairs, as much as for their healing waters. Health, Hedonism and Hypochondria reveals the hidden histories of traditional spas of Europe, including such well-known resorts as the original Spa in Belgium; Bath, Buxton and Harrogate in Britain; Baden-Baden and Bad Ems in Germany; Vichy and Aix-les-Bains in France; Bad Ragaz in Switzerland; Bad Ischl and Baden bei Wien in Austria and Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.At once luxurious sanctuaries of relaxation and resorts of the upper classes, these spas were also the haunts of melancholics, scoundrels and those seeking escape and excitement.>

About the author

Ian Bradley is Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at the University of St Andrews and a prolific author, journalist and broadcaster. He has had a lifelong fascination with spas.

Product details

• Authors: Ian Bradley, Bradley Ian
• Publisher: Tauris, I.B.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2020
• EAN: 9780755626465
• ISBN: 978-0-7556-2646-5
• No. of pages: 304
• Dimensions: 160 mm x 238 mm x 32 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Health; Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; HEALTH & FITNESS / Alternative Therapies, HISTORY / Europe / General, Sociology: customs & traditions, TRAVEL / Food, Lodging & Transportation / Resorts & Spas, Travel writing, Fashion & society, Social and cultural history, Complementary therapies, healing & health, Complementary therapies, healing and health, Cultural studies: customs and traditions, Cultural studies: dress and society