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Book Review of The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History

The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History
Tesstarosa avatar reviewed 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.