Dirt. The stinking history of hygiene

While Chinese emperors had flush toilets over a thousand years ago, some European cities still emptied their chamber pots out the window. There was a time when dirt was considered a symbol of piety, and Napoleon could bathe for hours in the bathtub. Even surgeons in the early 19th century didn’t wash their hands—at best, they wiped them on a bloody apron—and having a toilet at home is still a luxury in many parts of the world.

Dirt and hygiene are truly fascinating topics, even if you’ve never considered that the toilet and shower are among the most important inventions of mankind. Flip through this illustrated and entertaining book to learn not only the true history of hygiene, but also to have a good laugh at this funny human adventure.