Robert Burton – Anatomy of Melancholy

Cover Illustration by Sarah B. Bolen
 
"The Anatomy of Melancholy" by Robert Burton is a seminal work first published in 1621. It delves into the complexities of human psychology, exploring the nature of melancholy, its causes, and potential remedies. With its rich prose, extensive quotes, and digressions into various topics, Burton's masterpiece offers a profound and sometimes humorous investigation into the human condition. Hailed by Keats as a favorite and revered by artists across centuries like Cy Twombly or Nick Cave, it remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche.