Unmatched in originality breadth and scope The Routledge History of Happiness features chapters that explore the history anthropology and psychology of happiness across the globe. Through a chronological approach that ranges from the Classical and Postclassical to the twenty-first century this volume balances intellectual-history treatments and wider efforts to deal with relevant popular culture and experience including consumerism. It explores how and why the history of happiness has emerged in recent decades as well as psychological and social science approaches to happiness with a history of how relevant psychological research has unfolded. Chapters examine early cultural traditions concerning happiness including material on Buddhist and Chinese traditions and how they continue to influence ideas about happiness in the present day. Overall each section emphasises wide geographical coverage with particular attention paid to East Asia Latin America Europe Russia and Africa. The Routledge History of Happiness is of great use to all undergraduates postgraduates and scholars interested in the global history of emotions.