Music As Medicine: The History of Music Therapy Since Antiquity

Looks at the place of music therapy in European intellectual, medical, and musical traditions, from classical roots to the development of the music therapy profession since WWII. Chapters covering Judaic, Islamic, Indian, and Southeast Asian traditions add global, comparative perspectives. Addresses the problem of defining what music therapy has meant in different cultures, and sets the agenda for future research. The editor teaches history of medicine at Royal Holloway, University of London. Material originated at an April 1997 conference held at the University of London. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)