THIS study of cultural history by mother and son doctors provides a fascinating insight into the changing meaning of fat.
The book explores the subject from the first primitive drawings of obese people through to modern representations in film and media.
It also chronicals the development of obesity from a rare condition to a national problem.
Fat Gluttony and Sloth is beautifully illustrated featuring popular images such as Donald McGill’s seaside portraits alongside never-before-seen 19th century pictures of Hannah Bettersby, who weighed 800 pounds, and John Battersby, known as the ‘human skeleton’.
This entertaining and provocative read is a unique chronicle of obesity through the ages.
FAT, GLUTTONY AND SLOTH: David and FIona Haslam. Liverpool University, £65
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