During the Renaissance era, some superstitious beliefs about health and illness were being replaced by new scientific knowledge. Doctors were becoming more professional, and large hospitals were established. Despite this, people continued to suffer from ill health. Find out how poor food, lack of hygiene, and plagues claimed many lives, and why conditions such as mental illness were misunderstood. A book in the Changing Times series which explores the world in Tudor times through the plays and poetry of William Shakespeare. His works offer a fascinating window into the times in which he lived. Each page in this book features a quotation from Shakespeare that explains an aspect of health and disease in the 16th century. Full-color illustrations.