The son of a London mercer, Thomas Browne pursued a career as doctor and scholar; after extensive travels in Europe he settled down in Yorkshire and wrote, over time, the series of reflections now known as Religio Medici. As a self-portrait of a mind and soul and a prominent landmark in the history of ideas, Religio Medici proved a document of inexhaustible interest and persisting value; and ever since its first publication in 1642 it has exerted a powerful influence on its readers. This classic edition, first published in 1953, offers a carefully edited version of the 'authorised' edition of 1643, including readings preserved in extant manuscript copies of the work.
