Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for An Uncommon History of Common Things by Bethanne Patrick - Available

An Uncommon History of Common Things

by Bethanne Patrick
John Thompson
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Read a sample Read a sample
1 of 1 copy available
Pop culture fans and trivia lovers will delight in National Geographic's highly browsable, freewheeling compendium of customs, notions and inventions that reflect human ingenuity throughout history. Dip into any page and discover extraordinary hidden details in the everyday that will inform, amuse, astonish, and surprise. From hand tools to holidays to weapons to washing machines, this book features hundreds of colorful illustrations, timelines, sidebars, and more as it explores just about every subject under the sun. Who knew that indoor plumbing has been around for 4,600 years, but punctuation, capital letters, and the handy spaces between written words only date back to the Dark Ages? Or that ancient soldiers baked a kind of pizza on their shields— when they weren't busy flying kites to frighten their foes?

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    September 16, 2015

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781426212277
      • File size: 132738 KB

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781426212277
      • File size: 132738 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      September 15, 2009
      Patrick ("Forts of the West") and Thompson ("Dakotas") offer a charming look at the genesis and evolution of the items, organizations, and events Americans generally take for granted, such as buttons, state fairs, and toilet paper. Organized into nine chapters, including "Garments" and "Medications," and 50 subcategories like "Underwear" and "Beautification," the descriptive mini-essays run roughly one page. Each is accompanied by a lovely, full-color photograph and, occasionally, an illustrated time line. Witty and enlightening, the book carries all the delights of an American history museum visit, although entries reveal that many contemporary objects and customs were developed on other shores.

      Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading