The Anatomy of Melancholy was first published in 1621. It is a pseudoscientific investigation into and philosophical discussion of the possibilities of human happiness. This Book wasn’t meant to be read from the first page to the last. Just pick up the book. Open it to any page. You may find lists, digressions, bits of 17th-century prose, quotes, much Latin. Whatever you find, it is sure to please if you only give it half a chance. The Anatomy of Melancholy is definitely “the” desert island book. Don’t go without. That would be a terrible mistake.

“This compelling and occasionally comic study of melancholy became cult reading in the 17th century and has inspired artists from Keats (who said it was his favourite book) over Cy Twombly to Nick Cave.” Robert McCrum, The Guardian