Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa

Most informative book I’ve encountered on the subject. Bromberg has a great, neutral perspective on the topic at hand which is definitely difficult to come across when trying to find a book on eating disorder treatment.

Can't see because of an inch wide blank spot on all pages

I read this book for research purposes and found much to support and augment my research. Beyond that however, this was such a compelling read! I love history, especially the 19th and 20th centuries, and found her assessment of women and their bodies through that time fascinating. Anorexia is present in my family so there is a personal connection as well. This is not a clinical medical book but a really interesting study of a disease, how knowledge of it has evolved and how it is influenced by certain times in history plus the influence of society. If you are interested in the history of anorexia or, on a broader scope, a unique history of women, I highly recommend this book.

I never knew the history of anorexia nervosa, but it would make sense. Throughout history if someone behaved differently then mainstream society, that behavior needed to be studied and possibly cured. Food was not plentiful in the earlier centuries and that would explain why the woman would go without eating. I was very pleased with the detailed insight of anorexia nervosa. I should not have been surprised though, I have read previous literature from Brumberg and was pleased then.

Fascinating historical survey of this “modern” disease

If you know someone suffering from an eating disorder and think this problem has only been around since the late 70's, reading this book will be a great eye opener. Very diligent research and well organized information. Gives a great history and background to this troubling issue.

Wonderfully written and consumately researched. Go no further for a history of anorexia nervosa.

Informative but overly detailed

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This was a well documented book. There wasn't alot about per 1870 but then again fasting before then was more for religious reasons not body/culture reasons. The author tries to cover everything from how we went from religious fasting, to food driving fasting to body/culture fasting.It really makes you think about how fasting/anorexia changed over time and how in people/women's minds and in our ever changing culture food and fasting changed.

magic to read about the history about Anorexia, Joan J Brumberg did a Brilliant job of early encounters to nineteen eighties sort of modern eating disorders of to day.

A little academic to read, but very interesting and still easy to understand. Fantastic book, gives loads of ideas for further reading into the topic.

Useful book, quick delivery.