Robert Burton, English priest, physician, and scholar (d. 1640)

Robert Burton: An Enduring Legacy in Scholarship and Literature

Robert Burton (8 February 1577 – 25 January 1640) was an eminent English scholar, Anglican clergyman, and prodigious writer, primarily renowned as a long-serving fellow of Oxford University. His enduring fame rests almost entirely upon his monumental and unique work, The Anatomy of Melancholy, a sprawling encyclopedic treatise that delves deeply into the human condition, encompassing psychology, philosophy, medicine, and social commentary.

Early Life and Distinguished Oxford Career

Born in 1577 into a comfortably established family of the landed gentry in Lindley, Leicestershire, Burton's early education followed a typical path for the sons of his social standing. He attended two prominent grammar schools, Nuneaton School and Sutton Coldfield Grammar School, laying the groundwork for his impressive intellectual development. In 1593, at the age of 15, he matriculated into Brasenose College, Oxford, a pivotal moment that began an exceptionally long and distinguished academic career at the prestigious institution.

Burton's tenure at Oxford was notably extended, a circumstance some biographers suggest may have been influenced by his own struggles with melancholy, a condition he later explored so profoundly in his magnum opus. His academic journey included an early transfer to Christ Church, Oxford, one of the university's largest and most esteemed colleges. He pursued rigorous studies, culminating in the attainment of a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1605 and later a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree. By 1607, he was formally qualified as a tutor, a respected position that allowed him to guide the intellectual development of younger scholars within the university system.

Literary Endeavors Beyond the Masterpiece

While The Anatomy of Melancholy undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of his literary output, Robert Burton nurtured diverse literary interests from early in his career at Oxford. As early as 1603, he engaged in creative writing, producing several Latin poems, a common intellectual exercise among scholars of the era. He also penned a play, now unfortunately lost to history, which was famously performed before King James I but reportedly received a scathing review from the monarch himself. This anecdote highlights the active theatrical and literary scene within universities at the time.

His only surviving play, an academic satire titled Philosophaster, offers a rare glimpse into the Jacobean university drama genre. Though it has not achieved the widespread recognition of The Anatomy, Philosophaster holds significant historical and literary value, notably "received more attention than most of the other surviving examples of university drama." It cleverly satirizes academic pedantry, alchemical quackery, and various follies of the intellectual world of his time, showcasing Burton's keen observational skills and wit even in his earlier works.

Ecclesiastical Roles and a Sequestered Life

Despite his deep roots within Oxford, there is evidence that Burton, at various points after receiving his MA in 1605, made attempts to secure a life outside the university's hallowed halls. While he never fully detached himself, he did manage to acquire several ecclesiastical "livings" – benefices that provided a steady income for clergymen. Through the university's influence, he obtained the living of St Thomas the Martyr's Church in Oxford itself. Additionally, through external patronage, a common system of support for scholars and clergy in the period, he secured the benefice of Walesby in Lincolnshire and the rectorship of Seagrave in Leicestershire.

These roles, while providing financial stability, did not diminish his commitment to Oxford. As a dedicated fellow, he took on numerous minor administrative responsibilities within the university. Most notably, from 1624 until his death, he served as the esteemed librarian of Christ Church Library. This position was exceptionally suited to his scholarly temperament, providing unparalleled access to the vast repositories of knowledge that would form the bedrock of The Anatomy of Melancholy. Over time, Burton appeared to embrace his "sequestered" existence amidst the books and intellectual atmosphere of Oxford, frequently expressing profound admiration for his alma mater throughout the pages of his celebrated work, attesting to his deep connection to the academic world.

The Anatomy of Melancholy: A Literary Landmark

Robert Burton's most celebrated achievement and the work for which he is universally remembered is The Anatomy of Melancholy, What it is: With all the Kinds, Causes, Symptomes, Prognostickes, and severall cures of it. In three maine Partitions with their severall Sections, members, and subsections. Philosophically, Medicinally, Historically opened and cut up. First published in 1621, this colossal work was so well-received that Burton himself oversaw no fewer than five subsequent editions, each expanded and refined with his extensive additions and revisions. The final edition represents a staggering compendium, exceeding 500,000 words in length.

More than just a medical treatise, The Anatomy of Melancholy is a uniquely digressive and labyrinthine exploration of the human mind and its ailments, particularly the multifaceted condition of melancholy, which in the 17th century encompassed a spectrum of psychological and physiological states far broader than mere sadness. Burton famously stated that he wrote the book as much to alleviate his own struggles with melancholy as to provide solace and understanding to others suffering from similar afflictions. This personal motivation imbues the work with a remarkable blend of scholarly detachment and heartfelt empathy.

The book's intellectual richness is unparalleled, permeated by countless quotations from and meticulous paraphrases of a vast array of authorities, both classical and contemporary. From ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to Roman physicians such as Galen, and from medieval theologians to Renaissance humanists and contemporary natural scientists, Burton's work is a testament to a lifetime of profound erudition. It serves not only as a comprehensive study of melancholy from every conceivable angle – philosophical, medical, theological, astrological, and social – but also as a panoramic snapshot of 17th-century intellectual thought, blending wit, wisdom, and profound despair in a distinctive, engaging style.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Robert Burton passed away in 1640, leaving behind a profound intellectual inheritance. His extensive personal library, a scholar's treasure trove accumulated over decades, was thoughtfully bequeathed and subsequently divided between two of Oxford's most significant repositories of knowledge: the renowned Bodleian Library and the library of his beloved Christ Church.

During his lifetime and for some time after his death, The Anatomy of Melancholy was widely read, admired, and indeed, often "plagiarized" by many authors. It is important to note that the concept of plagiarism in the 17th and 18th centuries differed significantly from modern ethical standards; borrowing, adapting, and integrating passages from other works was often seen as a form of homage or a way to build upon existing knowledge, rather than an act of intellectual theft. However, as literary tastes shifted, particularly with the rise of Enlightenment rationalism in the 18th century, Burton's digressive and classical style fell out of mainstream popularity.

The work experienced a significant revival in interest during the 19th century, largely spurred by the posthumous revelation of the extensive (and often uncredited) borrowings by Laurence Sterne in his influential novel, Tristram Shandy. This discovery brought The Anatomy back into the literary spotlight, particularly captivating the Romantic poets and writers who found resonance in Burton's introspective nature, his exploration of complex emotional states, and his unique blend of learning and wit. Figures like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Charles Lamb championed his work, appreciating its depth and originality.

Interest in Robert Burton and The Anatomy of Melancholy has only deepened in the 20th and 21st centuries, garnering considerable academic attention from scholars across various disciplines, including literary studies, history of medicine, and psychology. Regardless of fluctuations in popular appreciation, Burton has consistently attracted a distinguished readership throughout history. This illustrious list includes literary giants such as Samuel Johnson and John Keats, visionary American polymath Benjamin Franklin, the celebrated physician and bibliophile Sir William Osler (who considered it a medical classic), and the influential absurdist playwright Samuel Beckett. This diverse array of admirers underscores the timeless appeal and multifaceted genius embedded within The Anatomy of Melancholy, cementing Robert Burton's place as a uniquely significant figure in English literature and intellectual history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Burton and The Anatomy of Melancholy

Who was Robert Burton?
Robert Burton was an English scholar, Anglican clergyman, and writer (1577–1640), best known for his encyclopedic and influential book, The Anatomy of Melancholy. He spent most of his adult life as a fellow of Oxford University, serving as a tutor, administrator, and librarian.
What is The Anatomy of Melancholy about?
The Anatomy of Melancholy is a vast, digressive, and scholarly treatise exploring every conceivable aspect of melancholy, a complex condition in the 17th century encompassing psychological, philosophical, medical, and theological dimensions. Burton examines its causes, symptoms, and potential cures, drawing on a lifetime of vast erudition from classical to contemporary sources.
When was The Anatomy of Melancholy first published?
The first edition of The Anatomy of Melancholy was published in 1621. Robert Burton subsequently oversaw five expanded editions during his lifetime.
Why is Robert Burton considered an important writer?
Burton is important due to the sheer scope, intellectual depth, and unique literary style of The Anatomy of Melancholy. It is a monumental work that synthesizes vast knowledge across disciplines, offers profound insights into the human condition, and showcases a distinctive blend of wit, wisdom, and personal reflection. Its influence can be seen in later literary figures and its enduring academic interest.
Did Robert Burton suffer from melancholy himself?
Yes, Robert Burton openly stated that he wrote The Anatomy of Melancholy in part to alleviate his own struggles with the condition, suggesting a deeply personal connection to the subject matter he so meticulously explored.