The latest in a seven volume series on health and wellness in daily life, this volume covers medical practice in seven different regions, from ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Europe. York (interdisciplinary studies, Portland State U.) explores medieval medical theories such as bubonic plague being caused by unusual planetary alignments that led to deadly vapors being released from underground. Chapters are arranged by subject such as infectious diseases or women's health, rather than region. Based on solid research and well-footnoted, this volume is accessible to general readers. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)