Encyclopedia of Ordinary Living

In this book, you learn about the history of the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, the bedroom, and many objects most people don’t give a second thought. Did you know that before can openers were invented, people had to use knives, stones, or shot off the lid to open a can? Or that in the late 19th century, kids weren’t allowed in the living room? Or that the people used to use urine to wash their clothes?

I thought I knew all about laundry, living rooms, wallpaper, and baths, but I didn’t know how people used these in Ancient Egypt, in the middle ages, and in many other times in history. The illustrations are colorful and helped explain the objects and how they were used. I learned a lot from this book.