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More copies of this ISBNThis title in other editionseBook editionsFlushed: How the Plumber Saved Civilizationby W. Hodding Carter
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Hodding Carter writes, The unsung hero of human history was, of course, the Brain of Drains, the Hub of Tubs, the Power of Showers, the Brewer of Sewers...the humble plumber.... The Irish may have saved civilization, once, but plumbers have done so countless times. When we consider the amenities that really make a difference in our well-being, surely good plumbing must rank near the top. But rarely have we taken the time to appreciate the engineering marvels that bring clean water into our homes with the turn of a tap and wash our waste products away with the flip of a lever. Until now. Witty, anecdotal, and thoroughly entertaining, Flushed not only chronicles the long and notable history of plumbing, but follows Hodding Carter's travels and travails as he casts his own Roman lead water pipes inspired by the writings of Pliny the Elder, descends into the sewers of London, installs a state-of-the-art Japanese toilet in his bathroom, and fearlessly tries to understand everything about this most underappreciated pillar of civilization. A winning combination of history, science, and firsthand experience, Flushed will entertain and educate all those who have never contemplated the hidden intricacies of this miracle of everyday technology. Synopsis:'\"The unsung hero of human history was, of course, the Brain of Drains, the Hub of Tubs, the Power of Showers, the Brewer of Sewers...the humble plumber.\" — W. Hodding Carter When we consider the amenities that really make a difference in our well-being, surely good plumbing must rank near the top. But rarely have we taken the time to appreciate the engineering marvels that bring clean water into our homes with the turn of a tap and the flip of a lever. Until now. Witty, anecdotal, and thoroughly entertaining, Flushed chronicles the long and notable history of plumbing, while following Hodding Carter\'s travels and travails around the most underappreciated pillar of civilization. It\'s a winning combination of history, science, and firsthand experience — a book that will both entertain and educate those who have never contemplated the hidden intricacies of this miracle of everyday technology. ' Synopsis:Presenting a quirky and fascinating history of plumbing from the Harappan of the Indus Valley (circa 3000 BC) to the Roman Empire, from Victorian London to modern Boston, this entertaining text also follows the author's own travails in plumbing. About the AuthorW. Hodding Carter has written for several national magazines, including Esquire, Smithsonian, Newsweek, and Outside. The author of Westward Whoa, A Viking Voyage, and An Illustrated Viking Voyage, he lives with his family in Rockport, Maine. Table of Contents
Introduction: Jasmin
Chapter 1: The Humble Plumber Chapter 2: When Lead Ruled Chapter 3: Do As the Romans Do Chapter 4: How We Do It Now Chapter 5: Foul Chapter 6: A Tour of the London Sewer Chapter 7: It Makes Your Garden Grow Chapter 8: Blame It on the Christians Chapter 9: The Birth of the Toilet Chapter 10: "What Was in the Toilet?" Chapter 11: Touching the Untouchables Chapter 12: The Power of Poop Conclusion: Do It for Your Plumber
Postscript: Russell and Jasmin: Uncensored Selected Bibliography Acknowledgments What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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