Module #11:

Poop Happened! A History of the World from the Bottom Up

Book Summary: This is an information book on a subject not commonly talked about, but undoubtedly wondered about. Albee teaches a history lesson on how humans have dealt with and managed human waste before sewers were invented. This book also addresses the serious issue of disease spread through contamination and other vectors. The book also includes a list of resources for further study.

APA Reference of Book:

Albee, S. & Leighton, R. (2010). Poop Happened! A History of the World from the Bottom Up (1st ed.). New York: Walker & Company.

Impressions: I love to read books on unusual subjects and I had to read this book when I saw the title. It is a great book for everyone: it’s very informative, without being boring, and has humor while not being sensational.  This is a fast read, as you cannot put the book down once you start reading. The best part is that you can skip around chapters and still learn a lot from it. 

Professional Review:

Poop Happened! A History of the World from the Bottom Up Sarah Albee, illus. by Robert Leighton. Walker, $15.99 paper (176p) ISBN 978-0-8027-2077-1 With candid humor, this book spotlights an important aspect of history, discussing human waste, from prehistoric times to the present. Featuring; photographs, reproduced images, and cartoons, Albee's exposé explores the spread of diseases, the history of plumbing, and cultural attitudes toward excrement and hygiene, along with delightfully uncouth anecdotes (French courtiers Lised the "feathers attached to the neck of a dead goose" to wipe their behinds). Descriptions of stinky I Kch-century London and the plight of the great unwashed throughout rime should leave readers grateful for their porcelain thrones and glad to have taken the down and dirty ^—^but informative—journey. Ages 8-12. (May)

Poop Happened! A History of the World from the Bottom Up. (2010). Publishers Weekly, 257(18), 51.

Library Uses: This book is a great source of information on the history of human waste disposal, sanitation, hygiene, and disease. Good for research as it contains additional resources one can consult.