The compleat loo: A lavatorial miscellany

Kilroy, Roger

ISBN 10: 057503520X / ISBN 13: 9780575035201

Published by V. Gollancz, 1984

Seller Inventory # E-9780575035201-2-2

Synopsis:

An Elizabethan gentleman, Sir John Harington, is credited with inventing the first British water closet, an ingenious affair with sluice and bung, years ahead of its time. In earlier days, the Romans had drainage systems as efficient as any today but after them, the European loo languished for centuries. The privy and 'thunderbox' held sway until early Victorian engineers put the valve-closet on the map. The 19th century saw astonishing developments in lavatory technology with fine installations in steam ships and trains as well as magnificent examples in country houses, palaces and municipal conveniences. British Victorian loos are probably still the best that man has so far achieved in this field - although a modern Swiss design which blows hot air and water jets when required is rumoured to be sweeping the Continent and may come to be regarded as the greatest loo ever. This book is illustrated with a large number of remarkable pictures which trace the history from limestone seat to super-loo.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The compleat loo: A lavatorial miscellany
Publisher: V. Gollancz
Publication Date: 1984
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very good