Illustrated with mythological, neoclassical and romantic masterpieces, spa/travel posters of the Belle Epoque and other popular period advertising art, as well as contemporary photographs, this book traces the evolution of spas. Opening with prehistoric sacred springs and Roman baths, it moves on to the fabulous watering holes of elite society in Europe, Asia and the US, including such legendary spas as Evian and Vichy in France; Baden Baden in Germany; Baden and Badragaz in Switzerland; Spa in Belgium; Marienbad in Czechoslovakia; Bath in Britain; Montecatini Terme, San Pellegrino and Salsomaggiore in Italy; Beppu and Fukata in Japan and Saratoga and Calistoga in the US. By way of prelude to this history of health-seeking and hedonism, Taking the Waters dives into the mythological and religious history of water - including water deities, sprites, mermaid, ritual baths, sacred rivers - and concludes by bringing this most universal of subjects up to date with a guide to the world's most exclusive spas such as the Golden Door and Cal A Vie in the US and Rancho La Puerta in Mexico.