The compleat loo: A lavatorial miscellany

by Roger Kilroy

After the remarkably efficient sanitation system developed by the Romans, personal hygiene in Europe took a giant step backward, as primitive chamberpots and privies held sway for centuries. Then in the late 1800s, lavatory technology saw astonishing developments with the invention of the water closet--or WC. Providing a colorful history of the "necessary" from prehistoric drainage ditches to the modern flush toilet, and illustrated with a profusion of b&w photos, line drawings, and cartoons, The Compleat Loo celebrates in grand fashion latrines and lavatories; commodes, garderobes, and public urinals; "heads" on shipboard and facilities on aircraft; and such modern marvels as streamlined automatic public conveniences, the 'Lectrolav, and a device called the Ve Cone Valve, which many people believe will revolutionize plumbing in the same way the silicon chip has changed electronics! 8 1/2" x 8".

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those with a wry sense of humor that turns occasionally to the bathroom variety, The Compleat Loo; a lavatorial miscellany is just the ticket. It should satisfy any curiosity concerning the development of toilets, as well, since it recounts its history and latest developments. Well, as late as 1984 that is, the year it was published.

It's a quick read, well illustrated, and written in a light-hearted and vignette style. For serious enquirers, though, this may be a little on the light side for their tastes.

The author is best known for his books on graffiti and the fact that he is the second cousin to James J. Kilroy. James was an inspector for a shipyard during WWII. To document the parts of the military ships he inspected for his superiors, he would write "Kilroy was here" on each item he visited. The mysterious phrase was widely copied by military personnel who began copying the phrase wherever they were sent. The phrase large died out in the '50s but still will occasionally turn up.

Some friends sent this book to my wife and me, probably taking into consideration what makes us laugh. We both read it, and it did make us laugh.

[Zombaby Cera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely funny and oddly informative. Potty humor is timeless!

[Niffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous and yet surprisingly interesting book about the history of toilets.