A Million Years in a Day: A Curious History of Everyday Life from the Stone Age to the Phone Age
Jun 2016 · Macmillan
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"For those fascinated by odd bits of historical trivia and the evolution of modern-day life . . . an entertaining, informative and highly detailed read." ― Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Who invented beds? When did we start cleaning our teeth? How old are wine and beer? Which came first: the toilet seat or toilet paper? What was the first clock?
Every day, from the moment our alarm clock wakes us in the morning until our head hits our pillow at night, we all take part in rituals that are millennia old. Structured around one ordinary day, A Million Years in a Day reveals the astonishing origins and development of the daily practices we take for granted.
In this gloriously entertaining romp through human history, Greg Jenner explores the gradual—and often unexpected—evolution of our daily routines. This is not a story of wars, politics, or great events. Instead, Jenner has scoured Roman rubbish bins, Egyptian tombs, and Victorian sewers to bring us the most intriguing, surprising, and sometimes downright silly historical nuggets from our past.
Drawn from across the world, spanning a million years of humanity, this book is a smorgasbord of historical delights. It is a history of all those things you always wondered about—and many you have never considered. It is the story of your life, one million years in the making.
"It would be a staggeringly learned person who could not glean anything new from this work." ― The Wall Street Journal
Who invented beds? When did we start cleaning our teeth? How old are wine and beer? Which came first: the toilet seat or toilet paper? What was the first clock?
Every day, from the moment our alarm clock wakes us in the morning until our head hits our pillow at night, we all take part in rituals that are millennia old. Structured around one ordinary day, A Million Years in a Day reveals the astonishing origins and development of the daily practices we take for granted.
In this gloriously entertaining romp through human history, Greg Jenner explores the gradual—and often unexpected—evolution of our daily routines. This is not a story of wars, politics, or great events. Instead, Jenner has scoured Roman rubbish bins, Egyptian tombs, and Victorian sewers to bring us the most intriguing, surprising, and sometimes downright silly historical nuggets from our past.
Drawn from across the world, spanning a million years of humanity, this book is a smorgasbord of historical delights. It is a history of all those things you always wondered about—and many you have never considered. It is the story of your life, one million years in the making.
"It would be a staggeringly learned person who could not glean anything new from this work." ― The Wall Street Journal
"For those fascinated by odd bits of historical trivia and the evolution of modern-day life . . . an entertaining, informative and highly detailed read." ― Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Who invented beds? When did we start cleaning our teeth? How old are wine and beer? Which came first: the t...
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Ratings and reviews
2 reviews
Arthur Hagen
- Flag inappropriate
July 31, 2016
Details are often inaccurate. Conjecture filtered through bias is presented as fact. Take it for what it is: a quirky bathroom reader. It's good for that.
About the author
Greg Jenner is a British public historian best known for his work as historical consultant and cowriter on the BBC's multi-award-winning comedy series Horrible Histories. After studying at the University of York for a BA in history and archaeology and an MA in medieval studies, Jenner has worked in the TV industry on award-winning historical documentaries, dramas, comedies, and digital interactive projects for the past eleven years. He lives in the United Kingdom.
Greg Jenner is a British public historian best known for his work as historical consultant and cowriter on the BBC's multi-award-winning comedy series Horrible Histories. After studying at the University of York for a BA in history and archaeology and an MA in medieval studies, Jenner has worked ...
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