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History Stinks!: Poo Through the Ages
What's that smell? It's HISTORY - and it STINKS!
Did you know that you can discover loads about history just from the loo? Or piles about the past just from a poo? If not, then get ready to discover everything from Henry VIII's dodgy diet and Aztec poop canoes to giant, fossilizsed Viking plops, poo-tastic Roman plumbing, the stinky secrets of Victorian sewers, smelly cesspits, medieval muck and more.
From Saxons and Tudors to ancient Greece, the Indus Valley and beyond, Poo Through the Ages features mighty monarchs, bonkers battles, deadly diseases, foul-smelling faeces and poo, poo, poo. Packed with fascinating facts, hilarious illustrations and the smelliest stories from our pongy past, get ready to dive into the smelliest corners of history!
Did you know that you can discover loads about history just from the loo? Or piles about the past just from a poo? If not, then get ready to discover everything from Henry VIII's dodgy diet and Aztec poop canoes to giant, fossilizsed Viking plops, poo-tastic Roman plumbing, the stinky secrets of Victorian sewers, smelly cesspits, medieval muck and more.
From Saxons and Tudors to ancient Greece, the Indus Valley and beyond, Poo Through the Ages features mighty monarchs, bonkers battles, deadly diseases, foul-smelling faeces and poo, poo, poo. Packed with fascinating facts, hilarious illustrations and the smelliest stories from our pongy past, get ready to dive into the smelliest corners of history!
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 10, 2024
After enjoying
Vital Organs: A History of the World's Most Famous Body Parts
by Suzie Edge, I thought I'd give her latest non fiction book published this year History Stinks! Poo Through the Ages a look in. Geared towards a much younger audience, medical doctor and historian Suzie Edge does a great job teaching young readers about history through the lens of toilets and yes, poo!
Beginning with the Romans and their public foricae comprising a marble bench with openings side by side over a communal gutter with fresh flowing water, the author takes us through the latrines, cesspits, garderobes, chamberpots, privvies and water closets across time.
Uniting her medical knowledge with her penchant for history, the author also covers a variety of diseases caused by poor sanitation along with some humorous factoids like this one.
In 1972, archaeologists in York in northern England discovered the fossilised remains of an enormous human turd. It was discovered along with wood, cloth and leather that was left behind from the Viking settlement centuries earlier. Edge tells us:
"This 1000 year old poo measured a gigantic 20 centimetres long and 5 centimetres wide and is believed to be the biggest example of a fossilised human poo ever found." Chapter 5
That certainly had me hurriedly pressing pause on the audiobook and rushing to find a tape measure so I can only imagine the reactions of the 7+ target audience. The fossil is on public display in York - complete with the stench cleverly recreated by scientists - but finding out it was accidentally dropped in 2003 when being handled during a school trip and subsequently broke into 3 pieces was surprisingly distressing.
History Stinks! Poo Through the Ages is a novel way for kids to learn about history, sanitation, historical figures, medicine and archaeology although the topical jokes and 'did you know' sections did begin to irritate this adult reader after a while. That said, there's plenty to entertain and a lot to learn in this short audiobook, from what people in the Roman and Tudor periods used to wipe their bottoms to how astronauts poo in space.
A sneak peek at the author's current writing project tells me that her next offering in the series History Stinks! Wee, Snot and Slime Through Time is due to be published in 2025 and I might just have to take a wee look.
Beginning with the Romans and their public foricae comprising a marble bench with openings side by side over a communal gutter with fresh flowing water, the author takes us through the latrines, cesspits, garderobes, chamberpots, privvies and water closets across time.
Uniting her medical knowledge with her penchant for history, the author also covers a variety of diseases caused by poor sanitation along with some humorous factoids like this one.
In 1972, archaeologists in York in northern England discovered the fossilised remains of an enormous human turd. It was discovered along with wood, cloth and leather that was left behind from the Viking settlement centuries earlier. Edge tells us:
"This 1000 year old poo measured a gigantic 20 centimetres long and 5 centimetres wide and is believed to be the biggest example of a fossilised human poo ever found." Chapter 5
That certainly had me hurriedly pressing pause on the audiobook and rushing to find a tape measure so I can only imagine the reactions of the 7+ target audience. The fossil is on public display in York - complete with the stench cleverly recreated by scientists - but finding out it was accidentally dropped in 2003 when being handled during a school trip and subsequently broke into 3 pieces was surprisingly distressing.
History Stinks! Poo Through the Ages is a novel way for kids to learn about history, sanitation, historical figures, medicine and archaeology although the topical jokes and 'did you know' sections did begin to irritate this adult reader after a while. That said, there's plenty to entertain and a lot to learn in this short audiobook, from what people in the Roman and Tudor periods used to wipe their bottoms to how astronauts poo in space.
A sneak peek at the author's current writing project tells me that her next offering in the series History Stinks! Wee, Snot and Slime Through Time is due to be published in 2025 and I might just have to take a wee look.
May 20, 2024
This is my 3rd Suzie Edge book, and i have loved every one of them so far. Her writing is quick and to the point while adding a touch of humor here and there. My students and I loved reading this at the end of the day, and this review reflects their star rating as well!
September 21, 2025
absolutely love Suzie Edge.
February 23, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Wren & Rook for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
According to Amazon, this book is aimed at readers aged 7+, which at 30, I technically qualify for. As I am indeed, aged 7 or up. But I will admit it was my childish, immature side that wanted to read this. I do have children in the family who would love it and I might let them read it after, but the childish side of me wanted to read a book about poo! Who says reading kids books can't be educational.
I haven't studied history since 2007 and so can't remember every single thing we studied, but I can say with certainty that we didn't read much about poo. History is often seen as children's least favourite subjects as it can be a bit dry. Maybe if we threw (not literally) a bit of poo in, it might become a bit more popular.
I think this could be quite an important book for kids to read. Yes it's a fun read, it's rude, and immature on the surface, and there's a lot of giggling. But it goes deeper than that. In terms of our health, our poo is incredibly important, and it's important to talk about it, but adults don't tend to, or they feel awkward about it. But by creating a fun, seemingly inconsequential book about it, hopefully it will make a new generation feel more comfortable about the topic.
The copy I had was a digital one and so I can't say for certain whether it's the same or differs from the finished physical copy, but I think they'll be the same, but my copy had some fabulous illustrations in. Not too complicated for young readers, but detailed enough for older readers. They were fun and really helped tell the story.
It's perfectly pitched for its audience. It's full of facts and anecdotes, but it also has jokes and little witty comments, and a quiz. She doesn't hide away from the fact that talking about poo is funny, and I think that is what makes it so successful. I can think of many children (and adults) in my family that would enjoy this.
All being equal, as an adult, I thought it was really interesting, well researched, well written, well portrayed, well put together, and it was just a really good read. It's not that I wasn't expecting it to be so, but a book aimed at 7+ year olds is not always one suitable for adults, but I was really pleasantly surprised by it.
According to Amazon, this book is aimed at readers aged 7+, which at 30, I technically qualify for. As I am indeed, aged 7 or up. But I will admit it was my childish, immature side that wanted to read this. I do have children in the family who would love it and I might let them read it after, but the childish side of me wanted to read a book about poo! Who says reading kids books can't be educational.
I haven't studied history since 2007 and so can't remember every single thing we studied, but I can say with certainty that we didn't read much about poo. History is often seen as children's least favourite subjects as it can be a bit dry. Maybe if we threw (not literally) a bit of poo in, it might become a bit more popular.
I think this could be quite an important book for kids to read. Yes it's a fun read, it's rude, and immature on the surface, and there's a lot of giggling. But it goes deeper than that. In terms of our health, our poo is incredibly important, and it's important to talk about it, but adults don't tend to, or they feel awkward about it. But by creating a fun, seemingly inconsequential book about it, hopefully it will make a new generation feel more comfortable about the topic.
The copy I had was a digital one and so I can't say for certain whether it's the same or differs from the finished physical copy, but I think they'll be the same, but my copy had some fabulous illustrations in. Not too complicated for young readers, but detailed enough for older readers. They were fun and really helped tell the story.
It's perfectly pitched for its audience. It's full of facts and anecdotes, but it also has jokes and little witty comments, and a quiz. She doesn't hide away from the fact that talking about poo is funny, and I think that is what makes it so successful. I can think of many children (and adults) in my family that would enjoy this.
All being equal, as an adult, I thought it was really interesting, well researched, well written, well portrayed, well put together, and it was just a really good read. It's not that I wasn't expecting it to be so, but a book aimed at 7+ year olds is not always one suitable for adults, but I was really pleasantly surprised by it.
April 8, 2024
The stinky side of history.
On the back of Horrible Histories, it's now time for the pongiest facts and stories from the past.
From ancient history onwards, Edge gives us people, places, puns and poo (like what I did there?).
It's actually quite an essential piece of our past - what we do with our waste, what inventions we've come up with to sweep away the stools.
There were loads of wonderful stories in here, it's not as if these are stories you are taught in school. Really quite fascinating stuff, for adults too!
I tried to read this aloud to my 7 year old, but it really wasn't something he enjoyed listening to. In a couple of years I expect he'll chuckle along reading this himself, but it's not ideal for sharing together as a bedtime read. I however, continued without him and thought it was excellent. I'd be interested to read an adult version with still gorier details (considering Edge's adult titles!).
For those interested in the disgusting side of our history, and poo in general. Laid out in short chapters, it's chatty, with jokes and constant illustrations, you won't even realise you're learning anything.
For ages 8 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
On the back of Horrible Histories, it's now time for the pongiest facts and stories from the past.
From ancient history onwards, Edge gives us people, places, puns and poo (like what I did there?).
It's actually quite an essential piece of our past - what we do with our waste, what inventions we've come up with to sweep away the stools.
There were loads of wonderful stories in here, it's not as if these are stories you are taught in school. Really quite fascinating stuff, for adults too!
I tried to read this aloud to my 7 year old, but it really wasn't something he enjoyed listening to. In a couple of years I expect he'll chuckle along reading this himself, but it's not ideal for sharing together as a bedtime read. I however, continued without him and thought it was excellent. I'd be interested to read an adult version with still gorier details (considering Edge's adult titles!).
For those interested in the disgusting side of our history, and poo in general. Laid out in short chapters, it's chatty, with jokes and constant illustrations, you won't even realise you're learning anything.
For ages 8 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
January 15, 2025
With thanks to the author, publishers Hachette’s Children’s Group and NetGalley, for providing me with a DRC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Have you ever wondered how medieval knights wearing full body armour managed to poop? Or how someone might empty their bowels inside a tank? Then this is the book for you!
It’s a lively and entertaining tour through the history of poo, told in a fun and informative way that is sure to keep younger readers engaged while they learn.
The reader learns how humans have made their poos throughout history, from Roman times to Medieval, Tudor, Victorian, and right up to the current day. We even see the challenges faced by astronauts in space when it comes to dealing with this most basic of human necessities.
There is also some interesting information on how the technology involved has evolved in this time, from the vinegar-soaked sponges used by the Romans to the self-flushing toilets of today. We also see the further uses poo can be used for today, including the manufacture of compost and certain gases that can be used to power building, cars etc.
All in all an enjoyable and informative read and, dare I say it, an ideal book to browse through whilst sitting on the throne yourself!
Have you ever wondered how medieval knights wearing full body armour managed to poop? Or how someone might empty their bowels inside a tank? Then this is the book for you!
It’s a lively and entertaining tour through the history of poo, told in a fun and informative way that is sure to keep younger readers engaged while they learn.
The reader learns how humans have made their poos throughout history, from Roman times to Medieval, Tudor, Victorian, and right up to the current day. We even see the challenges faced by astronauts in space when it comes to dealing with this most basic of human necessities.
There is also some interesting information on how the technology involved has evolved in this time, from the vinegar-soaked sponges used by the Romans to the self-flushing toilets of today. We also see the further uses poo can be used for today, including the manufacture of compost and certain gases that can be used to power building, cars etc.
All in all an enjoyable and informative read and, dare I say it, an ideal book to browse through whilst sitting on the throne yourself!
June 29, 2025
Lubiliście się uczyć historii? Ja nie zawsze. Początkowo najwięcej trudności sprawiały mi daty i suche fakty beznamiętnie podawane przez nauczycieli w szkole. W przeciwieństwie do polskich belfrów, autorka pozycji stara się zachęcić dzieci do nauki poprzez dobrą zabawę, a właściwie przez lekturę książki "O kupie przez wieki. Smrodki historii". A co jeszcze dzieci najbardziej lubią? Z doświadczenia jako matka wiem, że moją córkę w pewnym wieku najbardziej śmieszyły historyjki o kupie. I dokładnie poprzez "smrodkowe" zakamarki historii autorka stara się rozbudzić ciekawość dzieci do historii przybliżając historyczne postaci, fakty poprzez wstydliwe anegdoty. W końcu kupę robi każdy od najmłodszych lat, bez względu na status społeczny, pochodzenie- i koronowana głowa i niewolnik, i bogacz i biedak, każdy. Podczas lektury dowiemy się jak w różnych epokach radzono sobie z wypróżnianiem, poznamy toaletowe zwyczaje, sprzęty począwszy od czasów Rzymian czy Wikingów, a skończywszy na brytyjskim podwórku podczas rządów Henryka VIII. Z informacji internetowych wyczytamy, iż jest to pierwsza część "smrodków historii".
Ja nie jestem dobry targetem stąd ja sama daje 2,75 gwiazdek ale dzieciom od 6-10 roku życia myślę, że bardzo się spodoba.
Ja nie jestem dobry targetem stąd ja sama daje 2,75 gwiazdek ale dzieciom od 6-10 roku życia myślę, że bardzo się spodoba.
May 16, 2024
A very commendable achievement here, in telling me things I didn't know – the story of the giant octopus that travelled up a Roman sewer and helped itself to pickled fish, last year's discovery of a kind of flushing loo at Xi'an, China, and the honourable mention Ipswich gives to its coprolite past. That is secondary, of course to the prime aim, of teaching the young what they don't know, and this probably does that on every page. In an annoyingly whiffy timeline it takes us from Roman times of public loos and shared sponges-on-sticks, up to the ISS and how space junk is hoovered up when we get rid of it out of our rear ends as an astronaut. It's a shame the time travelling is so erratic, but that said this remains very readable, and we can pretty much follow every beat of detail we need to. And the purpose of the book is fully justified – this does show we can learn history from how we disposed of our poo, and vice versa. What it gains in having so many asides and box-outs to round out our historical knowledge and medical history, it probably loses in some terrible jokes, but in being educational for me it's a strong four stars at least.
February 27, 2024
OMG! This is sooooo going to be a hit among my students. It is everything the title suggests: Poo through the ages. I love how it is full of anecdotal stories about poo (Cum'on, who would have documented a senator passing wind in Roman times, so it has to be anecdotal.) mixed with a lot of interesting historical facts. My kids will go absolutely gaga over this.
August 5, 2024
The cleaning sponge!!! 🤢
This is a book made for children however, I highly recommend it for everyone. Despite the topic… it is really an interesting read.
I won’t lie, it has its moments of being pretty disgusting 😂 but for any history fan, you will enjoy this.
Very, very, VERY, thankful for the facilities I have today! And the privacy!
This is a book made for children however, I highly recommend it for everyone. Despite the topic… it is really an interesting read.
I won’t lie, it has its moments of being pretty disgusting 😂 but for any history fan, you will enjoy this.
Very, very, VERY, thankful for the facilities I have today! And the privacy!
April 14, 2024
Really entertaining and interesting. Lots of facts in there that teach children about not just history but the human body too. Very educational and even as an adult I laughed out loud at parts.
May 8, 2024
Brilliant history book for children and adults alike!
June 24, 2024
This was a very quick listen in the middle of the night holding a sleeping baby and I enjoyed it immensely. I don’t enjoy many things at 4am, but this was one.
July 21, 2024
I loved this book. I loved all the bad dad poo jokes in it. Learned a lot about bowel movements from many years ago
August 20, 2024
My kids bed time story of choice…. So many poo facts!
September 21, 2024
A facinating read for all ages!
December 12, 2024
My son and I really enjoyed reading this together.
December 25, 2024
A very entertaining read.
April 3, 2024
If we had more lessons at school based around poo the world would be a different place. What's not to love about poo!! and who doesn't love a good poo pun- Have you seen the movie Diarrhoea? it leaked so they had to realise it early or poo jokes aren't my favourite jokes. But they're a solid 2. The book goes through the history of poo with a lot of interesting facts about what we can gain/learn from what comes out of our bodies. It also included poo jokes, illustrations, and a quiz (to make sure you have been paying attention). So pretty much everything we need to know about poo.
The book can be enjoyed by both children and adults- My nephews would absolutely love it. The youngest is obsessed with anything related to the human body so this one is right up his street. I will certainly be picking up a copy when its published. Suzie makes poo a topic of conversation. Yes it is funny but it is important to be able to talk about it and ask questions. She writes in a way to make it more relatable. As it is something we all do.
Thank you Netgalley and Wren & Rock for a copy of the book for an honest review
The book can be enjoyed by both children and adults- My nephews would absolutely love it. The youngest is obsessed with anything related to the human body so this one is right up his street. I will certainly be picking up a copy when its published. Suzie makes poo a topic of conversation. Yes it is funny but it is important to be able to talk about it and ask questions. She writes in a way to make it more relatable. As it is something we all do.
Thank you Netgalley and Wren & Rock for a copy of the book for an honest review
December 10, 2025
Fab history book for kids!
A fab history book for kids, full of facts about the past but brought to you via the theme of poo (something most small kids find funny!). Will definitely keep them entertained as well as informed, and I loved the silly jokes throughout too, they really made me smile. Highly recommended for all kids, and I can’t wait to read book 2!
A fab history book for kids, full of facts about the past but brought to you via the theme of poo (something most small kids find funny!). Will definitely keep them entertained as well as informed, and I loved the silly jokes throughout too, they really made me smile. Highly recommended for all kids, and I can’t wait to read book 2!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews