Therapeutic Landscapes (Geographies of Health Series) - Hardcover

'The concept of therapeutic landscapes has emerged in the last 15 years as a significant leitmotif in the study of health and place. In this substantial set of essays, Allison Williams has assembled an impressive array of scholars who interrogate therapeutic landscapes in a series of imaginative and constructively critical engagements. This is a landmark edited collection.' Tony Gatrell, Lancaster University, UK 'Allison Williams has played a pivotal role in developing the concept of therapeutic landscapes. It is not surprising therefore that this edited collection makes such an important contribution to the existing literature. The diversity of authors and novel ideas incorporated into this book enriches the field of study and sheds new light on the role of place in shaping healing.' Kathi Wilson, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada 'The book will appeal to a range of readers. Specialists in the subject will delight in the collection of seminal essays by leading scholars. Health professionals who both work within and with these kinds of environments will much to enjoy and much to think about...It seems certain that the book will become a standard on students' reading lists for some time to come.' Metapsychology online reviews 'This excellent and useful collection is a must read for all who are interested in the study of healing, in general and specifically health and illness relationships in place, space and experience.' Health Sociology Review 'This volume recognizes the continued maturation of the therapeutic landscape concept both within and outside the discipline of health geography. Williams does well to summarize possible directions for future research. Scholars and students across a range of social science disciplines could benefit from reading this collection as it successfully brings together established authors and their interests in the recursive links between place(s) and wellbeing.' New Zealand Geographer

The therapeutic landscape concept, first introduced early in the 1990s, has been widely employed in health/medical geography and gaining momentum in various health-related disciplines. This is the first book published in several years, and provides an introduction to the concept and its applications. Written by health/medical geographers and anthropologists, it addresses contemporary applications in the natural and built environments; for special populations, such as substance abusers; and in health care sites, a new and evolving area - and provides an array of critiques or contestations of the concept and its various applications. The conclusion of the work provides a critical evaluation of the development and progress of the concept to date, signposting the likely avenues for future investigation.