Customer Reviews

British Chimney Sweeps: A Definitive Social History

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
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When I first picked up this book, I knew next to nothing about the chimney sweeping trade. This book was easy to read, extremely interesting, and well-researched. I never knew there was so much information about chimney sweeps out there! If you want to know anything about chimney sweeping for the past five hundred years, this is the book. It makes for very interesting history and a wonderful read.

Chimney Sweep is an honored profession because you get to see the inside of wealthy homes that you would normally never see. I did it for 6 months and let me tell you, it's a difficult and smelly job. I had so much soot on my clothes and inside my lungs that I couldn't breath properly for 1 year after, plus you have foot problems from crawling into the tight space. It's very dangerous.

The book is very good presenting a concise history, namely in England where Chimney Sweeps are associated with Old Knick Chimney Peep the Pervert.

Interesting, well-written account of what life was like as a chimney sweep and climbing boy before modern times. Ms. Cullingford brings out little-known facts about the trade, making this book an interesting read for both chimney sweeps and the general public. I highly recommend it!

You don't have to care a fig about chimney sweeps to enjoy this book. It's unexpectedly entertaining and educational: one of those books which gives you a new, unique view of history. Among my favorite chapters are Women in the Trade, and Personalities. In the latter you will find, for example, a profile of John Cottington, better known as "Mulled Sack." "One evening after drinking too much in the Devil Tavern, he fell in love and agreed to matrimony. The ceremony took place at the Fleet Prison. However, when the time came 'to be bedded,' John discovered his partner was the well-known hermaphrodite, Aniseed-Water Robin." But this is just a part of his story!
The book is surprisingly full of adventures and deeds of all sorts. Read it.

If you want to know the real story behind the history of chimney sweeps, this is the book to read. The author did excellent research on the subject. It should be of interest to anyone in the chimney sweeping profession or the history of any labor force.