Summary

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