The aim of this work is to investigate the use of reading as a tool of wellbeing and healing, outlining the history of bibliotherapy from its most ancient forms and its recent scientific developments, describing processes, personalities and methodologies. The article shows that bibliotherapy can be considered as a long-standing practice, which originates from the first experiences in the eighteenth century, up to the most recent research based on defined programs. An analysis of the Italian situation and a case study are included in the conclusions to this report.