The anatomy of melancholy

Published in 1621 and expanded in several subsequent editions, 'The Anatomy of Melancholy' is a multifaceted work that explores melancholy through various lenses, including medicine, philosophy, and literature.

The book is divided into three main sections: the first examines the definitions, symptoms, and causes of melancholy; the second discusses its cures; and the third explores specific types of melancholy, such as love melancholy and religious melancholy.

Burton's work is notable for its use of classical allusions, Latin tags, and a sprawling, colloquial style that makes it both a medical textbook and a literary masterpiece.