Customer Reviews

The Bathroom, the Kitchen, and the Aesthetics of Waste (Village Voice Literary Supplement)

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This is one of my favorite books, out of hundreds on historic houses, architecture, interior design, etc. It is a survey of the way the kitchen and bath evolved in America over the last 100 years or so, in text and pictures. The pictures are great : lots of old ads are reprinted, and some of the photos are hilarious, given our current sensibilities. As much as the rooms have changed, we have changed too, and the real thrust here is that kitchens and bathrooms and the accouterments found therein are reflections of our shared cultural beliefs, hopes, fears and dreams. They are not just places to cook and clean up, they are mirrors of all that we are, changing just as we are. This is a thin book but loaded with information and pictures, and subtle commentary if you read closely. Highly recommended.

I've had this book for several years and it's one of my favorites, to reach for over and over again. There's so much historical info, fascinating illustrations, and excellent writing. Highly recommended !