A survey of research in the cultural history of urban public health, this study links the approaches of demographic and medical history with the methodologies of urban history and historical geography. It challenges older methodologies, offering insights into the significance of cultural history. 'The appearance of this collection of essays of consistent quality is welcome as an addition to the relatively sparse modern monograph literature on the history of public health.' Social History of Medicine '... the papers are [...] well written and well chosen, and the book could serve as a foundation for discussions of method.' Continuity and Change 'Deftly edited and introduced, this is an excellent volume...' Urban History