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Health, Hedonism and Hypochondria
The Hidden History of Spas
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Format: Hardback
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Health, Hedonism and Hypochondria looks below the surface and probes the more hidden aspects of the history of spas and their secret sides.
Delving into the history behind the glamourous baths and spas of Europe to reveal the hidden past of alternative treatments.
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Description
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 & Hypochondria reveals the hidden histories of traditional spas of Europe, including such well-known resorts as the original Spa in Belgium; Bath, Buxton & Harrogate in Britain; Baden-Baden & Bad Ems in Germany; Vichy & Aix-les-Bains in France; Bad Ragaz in Switzerland; Bad Ischl & Baden bei Wien in Austria and Karlovy Vary & Mariánské Lázne in the Czech Republic. At once luxurious sanctuaries of relaxation and resorts of the upper classes, they were also the haunts of melancholics, scoundrels and those seeking escape and excitement.
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Health, Hedonism and Hypochondria by Ian Bradley offers a delightful and humorous recounting of the intriguing world of spas. The book is praised for its inventive and playful writing, weaving rich historical narratives with lively anecdotes that explore the origins and cultural significance of European spas. Bradley has been commended for his engaging prose, which balances both scholarly insight and entertaining storytelling, leaving readers enlightened and amused.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780755626465
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 20 August 2020
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Tauris Parke
Illustration: 8 pages colour plates
Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 32.0mm
Width: 160.0mm
Height: 238.0mm
Weight: 600g
Pages: 304
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.
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