Down the plughole : an irreverent history of the bath

In this study, Steve Dobell considers the spasmodic history of bathing and the bath.

It encompasses glamorous bathers, from Bath-sheba to Betty Grable, unlucky ones, including Agamemnon and Jean Marat, and the occasional high-achieving one such as Archimedes.

It also takes a decorous look at the bathing habits of famous literary figures, from Pepys to the Brontes, and at royal bathing arrangements, from Cleopatra with her asses' milk to Queen Victoria and her big brass taps.The book also explores the history of steam baths, foam baths, peat baths, mobile baths and even hanging baths, and records outstanding bathroom innovations and accessories, as well as notable bathing occasions - in art, fiction, films and real life - and those who have spoiled them.