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A Million Years in a Day: A Curious History of Daily Life

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're the kind of person who loves quirky facts and wants to know the origins of everything from toilets to timekeeping, you'll be right at home here! Greg Jenner's witty and conversational style takes you on a whirlwind tour through the history of everyday life - think less kings and battles, more breakfast routines and bedtimes. It's perfect for curious minds aged pre-teen and up, history buffs who appreciate a humorous twist, and anyone who ever wondered how people managed before modern conveniences. Plus, it's a great pick for sharing fascinating tidbits at dinner parties!

Who May Not Like This Book:

If British slang isn't your cup of tea, you might get a bit bogged down - some readers found the very UK-centric perspective and jokes a bit much. Also, if you don’t like your history sprinkled (or doused) with humor, puns, and the occasional bathroom reference, the tone here may not be for you. A few readers wanted more global or technical depth and less playfulness.

A clever, laugh-out-loud romp through the hidden history of daily life - fun, surprising, and highly readable, especially for anyone who thought history was all dusty dates and battles!

About:

'A Million Years in a Day: A Curious History of Daily Life' is a witty and informative exploration of daily routines and habits throughout history. The book covers a wide range of topics, from waking up in the morning to preparing for bed, offering intriguing insights into the evolution of technology and behavior over the millennia. The author combines historical facts with humor and wit, making even mundane subjects like toiletry practices and mealtimes engaging and entertaining for readers.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by a humorous and conversational style, effectively balancing entertaining anecdotes with well-researched historical insights.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into the everyday experiences of people throughout history, examining routines rather than significant events like wars or political power.

Setting:

The setting encompasses a broad range of historical contexts, illustrating the evolution of daily life across various cultures and time periods.

Pacing:

The pacing is lively, with rapid transitions between diverse topics, keeping the reader engaged and entertained.
The shrill klaxon of the alarm clock startles us from a deep snooze. We lift our head from the warm pillow, our moistened drool pooling in its folds, and prise apart our gunk-glued eyes to squint at t...

Notes:

Toilets in Imperial Rome were communal and typically had no stalls for privacy.
During the Tudor era, people wore undergarments called 'falling bands' and 'breeches'.
Before telephones and post offices, people communicated through messengers or town criers.
The fork became popular in Europe around the 16th century and was seen as a sign of elegance.
Mattresses evolved over time, with early versions made of straw and later versions filled with feathers or wool.
Dentistry has ancient roots, with the Egyptians practicing dental treatments as early as 3000 BC.
The book covers the daily life of both common people and royalty, not just kings and generals.
It humorously tackles everyday topics like waking up, using the toilet, and eating, revealing their historical evolution.

From The Publisher:

'A wonderful idea, gloriously put into practice. Greg Jenner is as witty as he is knowledgeable' - Tom Holland

'You will love Greg Jenner's jolly account of how we have more in common with our ancestors than we might think … all human life is here, amusingly conveyed in intriguing nuggets of gossipy historical anecdote' - Daily Mail

This is not a story of politics, wars or great events, instead Greg Jenner has scoured Roman rubbish bins, Egyptian tombs and Victorian sewers to bring us the most intriguing, surprising and sometimes downright silly nuggets from our past.

It is a history of all those things you always wondered - and many you have never considered. It is the story of our lives, one million years in the making.

2015
369 pages

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