Happiness: history of an emotion - HistoryExtra podcast |...

What this episode covers

The word 'happiness' came into common usage in around the 17th century, but the concept has a much longer history. So how have people conceptualised happiness over time – and how have they sought to attain it? Historian Katie Barclay is one of the editors of The Routledge History of Happiness, and she joins Ellie Cawthorne to explore historical ideas about the most desirable of emotions. (Ad) Katie Barclay is one of the editors of The Routledge History of Happiness (Taylor & Francis, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-routledge-history-of-happiness%2Fkatie-barclay%2Fdarrin-mcmahon%2F9781032323190. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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How long is this episode of HistoryExtra podcast?

This episode is 28 minutes long.

When was this HistoryExtra podcast episode published?

This episode was published on January 24, 2025.

What is this episode about?

The word 'happiness' came into common usage in around the 17th century, but the concept has a much longer history. So how have people conceptualised happiness over time – and how have they sought to attain it? Historian Katie Barclay is one of the...

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