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Dirt: A Social History as Seen Through the Uses and Abuses of Dirt
Delve into the fascinating world of dirt in this history of culture, cleanliness, and our evolving perceptions of what is and isn’t gross.
In this engaging and often humorous study of life’s imperfections, public health and hygiene authority Terence McLaughlin dissects our attitudes toward the filth that has accompanied society throughout human history. According to him, “dirt” is a matter of opinion.
Cultural attitudes about everything from factory smoke to personal hygiene are constantly shifting with the economic and political exigencies of the era. McLaughlin cites Old Testament examples of cleanliness which, unbeknownst at the time, helped protect the observant from the plague. The famous baths of ancient Rome were seen as progress for personal hygiene, and later scorned by Christians who rejected all things Roman.
With a litany of fascinating examples, McLaughlin sheds light on how we accept or reject substances. Dirt is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand how we shape our environment.
In this engaging and often humorous study of life’s imperfections, public health and hygiene authority Terence McLaughlin dissects our attitudes toward the filth that has accompanied society throughout human history. According to him, “dirt” is a matter of opinion.
Cultural attitudes about everything from factory smoke to personal hygiene are constantly shifting with the economic and political exigencies of the era. McLaughlin cites Old Testament examples of cleanliness which, unbeknownst at the time, helped protect the observant from the plague. The famous baths of ancient Rome were seen as progress for personal hygiene, and later scorned by Christians who rejected all things Roman.
With a litany of fascinating examples, McLaughlin sheds light on how we accept or reject substances. Dirt is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand how we shape our environment.
- GenresSocial Science
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 6, 2022
This book puts the lie to any romanization of prior centuries in Europe or North America. Yuck. Bathing was frowned upon and water contaminated with the grossest stuff you can imagine, if available at all. In Britain ( author’s home,) the Roman occupiers were exceptionally clean and so, in rejecting all things Roman, the English viewed any form of bathing or cleanliness as anti Christian for centuries. Then the Industrial Revolution and the sudden increase in population in cities made any sort of decent living for all but the rich impossible. Vermin of all kinds were simply a part of life for everyone, including the rich. Even royalty didn’t EVER
wash their clothes.
The book was written in 1971 and the reader will appreciate the advancements made to clean up our waterways at least. Air pollution has improved some , especially in cities like London. Ready for a fun read!!
wash their clothes.
The book was written in 1971 and the reader will appreciate the advancements made to clean up our waterways at least. Air pollution has improved some , especially in cities like London. Ready for a fun read!!
October 29, 2022
Decent read. Mostly focused on England more specifically London. Often we need a stand in for the world and London is as good as or better than most
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews