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Medieval Wellness: From Beauty to Bloodletting
Not yet published
Expected 15 Dec 26Dispelling myths of a dirty, superstitious Middle Ages, this entertaining volume explores medieval approaches to health and wellness.Often maligned as an era of darkness and superstition, the Middle Ages in Europe have been stereotyped as lacking standards for basic hygiene, or, at the very least, for having a laughably simplistic approach to self-care and medicine. With wit and expert analysis, medievalist Larisa Grollemond explores everyday practices and beliefs of medieval life. She uncovers a world as nuanced and self-aware as our own while playfully connecting traditions from the Middle Ages to modern wellness culture.Challenges misconceptions of medieval Europe with engaging, evidence-based insights into hygiene and healthcare practices.Answers popular questions about daily life, including bathing, cosmetics, contraception, and the realities of medieval medical treatments.Features over 130 illustrations of illuminated manuscripts, medieval artifacts, and other art works that bring the past vividly to life.Connects medieval wellness practices to contemporary self-care trends, offering surprising parallels and fresh perspective.
If you think the Middle Ages were primitive and unsophisticated, this book will change your mind. With Medieval Wellness , you’ll discover a world of care, curiosity, and complexity that will feel familiar to your own.
If you think the Middle Ages were primitive and unsophisticated, this book will change your mind. With Medieval Wellness , you’ll discover a world of care, curiosity, and complexity that will feel familiar to your own.
- GenresHistoryNonfictionHealth
176 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 17, 2026
This book was so great and fun to read! Its highlight is how thorough and accessible it is, both with its language as well as with how gorgeously and thickly illustrated it is. It debunked a bunch of my prejudices about the middle ages (some I didn't even know I had in the first place) at the same time that it localized for me that a lot of things that are taken for granted as common sense nowadays, both good and bad, true and false, come from middle ages knowledge and beliefs. The only qualm I had with this book is how tiny the publisher font is, lol. But it is truly an immensely intriguing, fascinating and pallatable book that shows a passionate research and a lot of care into its visual component. I'll love having this in my center table soon! Thanks NetGalley for the arc, I had so much fun!
⸝⸝⸝ 𝖕𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 ── ★ ‧₊˚ ┊ ✧˖°.
got the arc for this, my first arc! ✧٩(•́⌄•́๑)و ✧
⸝⸝⸝ 𝖕𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 ── ★ ‧₊˚ ┊ ✧˖°.
got the arc for this, my first arc! ✧٩(•́⌄•́๑)و ✧
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The abundant use of medieval art pieces are the highlight of this well researched book. They are fascinating and occasionally a bit horrifying, such as the surgeon’s manual on tools and surgeries to use on the poor nude chap bending over a table with hemorrhoids.
The description gave me the impression that the book would show how surprisingly wise and practical many of their practices were, but I didn’t find that to be the case. There are lots of examples of using dangerous substances like lead and ridiculous recipes like boiling bees and lizards for hair dye. I was frequently surprised by things not mentioned, like I know that henna was used for hair dye since well before that time, but maybe not in Europe, which is the only area this book features. And I would have loved more talk about the things they got right, like using valerian and lavender for depression, or the herbs used for abortions. Each subject gets a very short bit of information from surviving books and artwork. I have to wonder if the wisdom of the midwives and grandmothers was never collected and therefore didn’t survive for the 21st century scholars. There is a lot of information on bathing practices in particular and I appreciated the information that chastity belts were not really a thing.
I read an online arc of this book via netgalley.
The description gave me the impression that the book would show how surprisingly wise and practical many of their practices were, but I didn’t find that to be the case. There are lots of examples of using dangerous substances like lead and ridiculous recipes like boiling bees and lizards for hair dye. I was frequently surprised by things not mentioned, like I know that henna was used for hair dye since well before that time, but maybe not in Europe, which is the only area this book features. And I would have loved more talk about the things they got right, like using valerian and lavender for depression, or the herbs used for abortions. Each subject gets a very short bit of information from surviving books and artwork. I have to wonder if the wisdom of the midwives and grandmothers was never collected and therefore didn’t survive for the 21st century scholars. There is a lot of information on bathing practices in particular and I appreciated the information that chastity belts were not really a thing.
I read an online arc of this book via netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Let me say it plainly, before anything else: I want the physical copy, badly. This is one of those books whose page design is half the pleasure : the layout, the more than 130 illuminations and artefacts, and above all the captions that unpack them, make the whole thing irresistibly moreish. You'll find yourself turning pages for the pictures long before you've decided to read for the argument.
And the argument is a generous one. Grollemond sets out to dismantle the hoariest cliché we carry about the Middle Ages: that it was a thousand years of grime, superstition and people who had, at best, a laughably crude notion of looking after themselves. With wit and genuine scholarly command, she reconstructs a world that turns out to be every bit as self-aware, anxious and inventive about wellbeing as our own...and then, slyly, holds it up against the mirror of twenty-first-century self-care culture. The parallels are often uncanny, occasionally hilarious, and never forced. What I love most is how little it asks of the reader up front. You need not be a history nerd to fall into it; the prose carries you. Yet the medievalists among us will be delighted all the same, because the lightness never comes at the expense of the evidence. Across its chapters the book walks you through medieval medicine and the men who practised it, bathing (yes, they did), cosmetics, hair, womanhood, contraception and sex, and even mental health... each handled with the same even hand, clearing away the misconceptions without ever talking down to you. And don't fret about those gloriously unhinged beauty standards; she gets to those too. The chapter titles alone deserve a round of applause for the sheer cheek of them (I'll say no more; discovering they're all song cues is part of the fun). It's that tonal confidence: scholarship worn lightly, humour deployed precisely that makes the book work. If you still picture the Middle Ages as primitive and unsophisticated, Grollemond will quietly, cheerfully change your mind. A superb piece of work, and a thoroughly good time.
And the argument is a generous one. Grollemond sets out to dismantle the hoariest cliché we carry about the Middle Ages: that it was a thousand years of grime, superstition and people who had, at best, a laughably crude notion of looking after themselves. With wit and genuine scholarly command, she reconstructs a world that turns out to be every bit as self-aware, anxious and inventive about wellbeing as our own...and then, slyly, holds it up against the mirror of twenty-first-century self-care culture. The parallels are often uncanny, occasionally hilarious, and never forced. What I love most is how little it asks of the reader up front. You need not be a history nerd to fall into it; the prose carries you. Yet the medievalists among us will be delighted all the same, because the lightness never comes at the expense of the evidence. Across its chapters the book walks you through medieval medicine and the men who practised it, bathing (yes, they did), cosmetics, hair, womanhood, contraception and sex, and even mental health... each handled with the same even hand, clearing away the misconceptions without ever talking down to you. And don't fret about those gloriously unhinged beauty standards; she gets to those too. The chapter titles alone deserve a round of applause for the sheer cheek of them (I'll say no more; discovering they're all song cues is part of the fun). It's that tonal confidence: scholarship worn lightly, humour deployed precisely that makes the book work. If you still picture the Middle Ages as primitive and unsophisticated, Grollemond will quietly, cheerfully change your mind. A superb piece of work, and a thoroughly good time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We are not so different from the people of the Middle Ages, and “Medieval Wellness” reminds us of exactly that.
It is a lament of mine that a fair amount of people still consider medieval Europe as a place lacking much in culture, standards, or really anything beyond doom and gloom. This book sheds light on the Europeans of the Middle Ages and just how much our perception of them is untrue and that we mimic them in a lot of ways for the sake of “self help.”
Grollemond walks you through the misconceptions of the medieval people regarding their health and hygiene before explaining the actuality of it in great detail with a plethora of credible sources and visual aids. For instance, many believe that Europeans during this time would forsake bathing. Grollemond explains how this issue mostly depended on one’s social class, how big your “bathing bucket” was, and if you had ventured into a bath house.
The information is provided in a lighthearted fashion that keeps you entertained, and expands over a wide variety of content from bathing, to surgeries, beauty standards, and even mental health during the Middle Ages. And for all our talk of simplicity and sticking our noses up at the people of Europe in the Middle Ages, Grollemond reminds us throughout and especially in the epilogue just how many of these customs we still practice, albeit, for different reasons.
Overall, an incredibly well researched and interesting read. While I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in medieval history, it is also perfect for people who enjoy reading about the history of medicine, as well as anyone who likes something just a little twisted.
We are not so different from the people of the Middle Ages, and “Medieval Wellness” reminds us of exactly that.
It is a lament of mine that a fair amount of people still consider medieval Europe as a place lacking much in culture, standards, or really anything beyond doom and gloom. This book sheds light on the Europeans of the Middle Ages and just how much our perception of them is untrue and that we mimic them in a lot of ways for the sake of “self help.”
Grollemond walks you through the misconceptions of the medieval people regarding their health and hygiene before explaining the actuality of it in great detail with a plethora of credible sources and visual aids. For instance, many believe that Europeans during this time would forsake bathing. Grollemond explains how this issue mostly depended on one’s social class, how big your “bathing bucket” was, and if you had ventured into a bath house.
The information is provided in a lighthearted fashion that keeps you entertained, and expands over a wide variety of content from bathing, to surgeries, beauty standards, and even mental health during the Middle Ages. And for all our talk of simplicity and sticking our noses up at the people of Europe in the Middle Ages, Grollemond reminds us throughout and especially in the epilogue just how many of these customs we still practice, albeit, for different reasons.
Overall, an incredibly well researched and interesting read. While I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in medieval history, it is also perfect for people who enjoy reading about the history of medicine, as well as anyone who likes something just a little twisted.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. Overall the writing was very good; it was crisp and conversational. In addition to the writing, there were stellar works of art, with descriptions of how the art fit into the story. I could look at those for hours. This is a great coffee-table book, gift, or just a visual treat. Thank you to Netgalley and Getty Publications for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Such an interesting read! In Medieval Wellness, the author provides a lot of information about medicine, bathing, beauty and self-care in the middle ages, giving us a sense of what was people's understanding of the human body. From the use of herbs and spices, bloodletting, the balance of bodily humours, all intermingled with faith and prayers, we get a comprehensive picture of what was considered well-being at the time. The book also busts some myths about this era, that might have entered and prejudiced our understanding of its most common practices. One of the best things is that it contains many illustrations of the period, showing everyday life and also the medical knowledge or the objects and instruments that were most used. I found it particularly interesting to draw a parallel between these records and our modern habits, seeing how we stil apply some of this knowledge, especially in the use of herbal remedies and oils. Recommended for everyone with an interest in medieval times, or who want to discover something new about history.
Such an interesting read! In Medieval Wellness, the author provides a lot of information about medicine, bathing, beauty and self-care in the middle ages, giving us a sense of what was people's understanding of the human body. From the use of herbs and spices, bloodletting, the balance of bodily humours, all intermingled with faith and prayers, we get a comprehensive picture of what was considered well-being at the time. The book also busts some myths about this era, that might have entered and prejudiced our understanding of its most common practices. One of the best things is that it contains many illustrations of the period, showing everyday life and also the medical knowledge or the objects and instruments that were most used. I found it particularly interesting to draw a parallel between these records and our modern habits, seeing how we stil apply some of this knowledge, especially in the use of herbal remedies and oils. Recommended for everyone with an interest in medieval times, or who want to discover something new about history.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.
5 stars
A fascinating look into medieval wellness - which is basically a look into medieval lives. The author counters the common modern image of medieval people as dirty and unhealthy. It was very surprising to read that medieval people were not so different from all of us in their desires to stay healthy, clean, and attractive. There is also so much amazing medieval artwork included; it’s fascinating to stop and really look at the art and see what is being conveyed.
5 stars
A fascinating look into medieval wellness - which is basically a look into medieval lives. The author counters the common modern image of medieval people as dirty and unhealthy. It was very surprising to read that medieval people were not so different from all of us in their desires to stay healthy, clean, and attractive. There is also so much amazing medieval artwork included; it’s fascinating to stop and really look at the art and see what is being conveyed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Medieval Wellness is a humorous and extremely well researched look at medieval healthcare. Health and wellness have always been complex and this book proves how far we’ve come with modern medicine but how some things never change.
e-arc provided by Netgalley ❤️
e-arc provided by Netgalley ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was its medieval-style illustrations. To be honest, the idea of reading a book about health in the Middle Ages with this kind of artwork made me curious.
I liked how the book explores different topics, such as overall well-being, hygiene and self-care, medicine and knowledge, treatments, theories and rumours, superstition, and the influence of society. This allows you to discover medieval society from a different perspective. The images of objects from that period are quite interesting too.
As you read, you need to pay attention to the illustrations to fully understand the ideas presented in the book. You can see that, despite the limitations of the Middle Ages, people were concerned about staying healthy and taking care of themselves, even if they had different resources than we have today.
I liked how the book explores different topics, such as overall well-being, hygiene and self-care, medicine and knowledge, treatments, theories and rumours, superstition, and the influence of society. This allows you to discover medieval society from a different perspective. The images of objects from that period are quite interesting too.
As you read, you need to pay attention to the illustrations to fully understand the ideas presented in the book. You can see that, despite the limitations of the Middle Ages, people were concerned about staying healthy and taking care of themselves, even if they had different resources than we have today.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
First things first: this book is gorgeous. Major props to the design team. Typesetting, images, everything is brought together beautifully.
The book is organised in different parts that try to connect medieval views on health, beauty, and wellness with modern ones. It's a bit tongue in cheek and at times a bit cringy, but it does manage to bring the "we're not so different after all" message across.
"Medieval" in this case is "Western Europe". Sometimes non-dominant cultures are mentioned, eg. using Jewish writings, but overall the whole of Western Europe is thrown together. I would have liked to see more explicitly mentioned if something was sourced from English, Italian, German... etc sources.
First things first: this book is gorgeous. Major props to the design team. Typesetting, images, everything is brought together beautifully.
The book is organised in different parts that try to connect medieval views on health, beauty, and wellness with modern ones. It's a bit tongue in cheek and at times a bit cringy, but it does manage to bring the "we're not so different after all" message across.
"Medieval" in this case is "Western Europe". Sometimes non-dominant cultures are mentioned, eg. using Jewish writings, but overall the whole of Western Europe is thrown together. I would have liked to see more explicitly mentioned if something was sourced from English, Italian, German... etc sources.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5
This was a super short book (less than 100 pages), but still full of so much information!
I really loved all of the photos and illustrations and references that were shown. I think that helped to make this such an easy to digest and comprehend non-fiction. And to the point where I think even people who don't like non-fiction would enjoy this.
I learned a lot about the medieval era and its views on wellness and how to handle medical problems, but I also really appreciated the debunking of common myths and misconceptions about the era and topic. (Like how chastity belts weren't real!)
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a super short book (less than 100 pages), but still full of so much information!
I really loved all of the photos and illustrations and references that were shown. I think that helped to make this such an easy to digest and comprehend non-fiction. And to the point where I think even people who don't like non-fiction would enjoy this.
I learned a lot about the medieval era and its views on wellness and how to handle medical problems, but I also really appreciated the debunking of common myths and misconceptions about the era and topic. (Like how chastity belts weren't real!)
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publishers - Getty Publications - for giving me access to this book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
It's always interesting reading about people, and to realise that we're not that different from people living hundreds of years ago. What's changed, in many fields within wellness, is how the practices are applied and how society view wellness as a whole.
Easily structured in chapters with accompanying pictures to highlight various parts the text is about.
It's always interesting reading about people, and to realise that we're not that different from people living hundreds of years ago. What's changed, in many fields within wellness, is how the practices are applied and how society view wellness as a whole.
Easily structured in chapters with accompanying pictures to highlight various parts the text is about.
September 23, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from NetGalley
This book provided an interesting glimpse into the health and wellness practices in European medieval life. I really liked how the author was able to connect trends and traditions from then to now, as well as engage with the problematic aspects of some elements. The images of artifacts and illustrations from manuscripts are great.
This book provided an interesting glimpse into the health and wellness practices in European medieval life. I really liked how the author was able to connect trends and traditions from then to now, as well as engage with the problematic aspects of some elements. The images of artifacts and illustrations from manuscripts are great.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews