This book investigates the complex relationship between health, illness, and healing practices in England during the early modern period. It examines how societal structures, religious beliefs, and scientific understanding shaped perceptions of disease and its treatment. The work draws upon a wide range of primary sources to reconstruct the experiences of individuals and communities grappling with sickness and the pursuit of well-being.

Andrew Wear's work on early modern English health and healing is recognized for its comprehensive scope and detailed research. Scholars often cite it as a foundational text for understanding the period's medical landscape, appreciating its nuanced approach to the interplay of science, belief, and social practice. The book is valued for its thorough engagement with primary sources, offering a rich depiction of how individuals experienced and responded to illness.