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The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History
The Dirt on Clean An Unsanitized History
Author: Katherine Ashenburg
The question of cleanliness is one every age and culture has answered with confidence. For the first-century Roman, being clean meant a two-hour soak in baths of various temperatures, scraping the body with a miniature rake, and a final application of oil. — For the aristocratic Frenchman in the seventeenth century, it meant changing your shirt o...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780739498002
ISBN-10: 0739498002
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 358
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1

4.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: NortH Point Press - Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
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Tesstarosa avatar reviewed The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History on + 151 more book reviews
In the US today, most do not dream of leaving their homes unless they have first showered and perfumed their bodies. But this hasnt always been the case and its not necessarily because the bathing facilities arent available. Believe it or not, there was actually a time when water was to be avoided and that the best way to clean oneself was by wearing linen.

Ms Ashenburg takes us through the history of bathing from Roman times where is was a daily and social ritual to the Dark Ages when water was thought to cause ill-helath to the modern times where if you go out smelling like yourself you have finished your grooming.

A well written book with several side stories about washing methods and beliefs about cleanliness.
reviewed The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History on + 7 more book reviews
A good history on a subject not often examined on its own. Quite enjoyed the read.


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