Anatomy of Melancholy

Robert Burton (1577-1640) was born in Leicestershire and educated at Oxford, where he became librarian of Christ's Church College, a position he held for life. He was also the vicar of St. Thomas, Oxford, and the rector of Seabrave, Leicestershire. The first edition of The Anatomy of Melancholy appeared in 1621 and was an immediate popular success. Burton continued to revise and add to his great book, which went through a further five editions, until his death.