Cover of The Anatomy of Melancholy

The Anatomy of Melancholy

by Robert Burton

First published
1624
Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"The Anatomy of Melancholy" by Robert Burton is a medical treatise first published in 1621. This massive work explores depression and its causes, symptoms, and cures, but ranges far beyond medicine into history, astronomy, geography, and literature. Written under the pseudonym Democritus Junior, Burton blends scientific analysis with humor and satire across over 500,000 words. Drawing from ancient authorities and medieval sources, he examines melancholy as both a passing mood and a serious ailment, creating a unique work that inspired generations of writers.

  • Melancholy

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #10800. The Anatomy of Melancholy on Wikipedia.