Flushed : How the Plumber Saved Civilization

In the tradition of Salt by Mark Kurlansky and Stiff by Mary Roach, 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.

When we consider the everyday amenities that really make a difference in our well being and happiness, surely good plumbing must rank near the top. But rarely do we take the time to appreciate the engineering marvels that bring clean water into our homes with the turn of a tap and that take our waste products away with the flip of a lever.

Flushed won''t let you ever take plumbing for granted ever again - it will help you understand how clean water comes into your home and dirty water leaves it, and you''ll never look at your toilet or kitchen sink the same way. A quirky and fascinating history of plumbing and water supply, Flushed takes readers across the centuries and around the globe, uncovering the secret life of the world''s most under-appreciated amenity.

Flushed also follows W. Hodding Carter''s travels and trials as he attempts to understand the intricacies of the profession, past and present. Carter explores the oldest forms of plumbing in the world, takes us into the luxury of the ancient Roman baths, casts his own Roman lead pipes following the directions of Pliny the Elder, descends by flashlight into the London sewer, installs the most luxurious new Japanese toilet (named Jasmine) in his own bathroom and is generally fearless in his efforts to understand everything about this most underappreciated pillar of civilization.