The Story of Shit
by Midas Dekkers
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Pub Date 15 Jan 2019 | Archive Date 24 Jul 2018
Text Publishing | Text Publishing Company
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Description
"Shows Dekkers once again to be in possession of a golden pen." —New Scientist
A witty, fascinating look at something we generally prefer not to look too closely at.
We are very discreet. We disappear into a private room, perform the task, flush, wash, and reappear as if nothing happened. Of course, hygiene is necessary—some faecal bacteria, if re-ingested, can cause very serious problems—and unpleasant aromas are best kept at bay.
But in all this hygienic discretion have we lost touch with an integral part of ourselves-something as much a part of living as breathing, eating and sleeping? Something enriching, creative and even enjoyable?
The Story of Shit presents a personal, cultural, scientific, historical, and environmental account of shit, from the digestive process and the fascinating workings of the gut, to the act of defecation and toilet etiquette. With irreverent humor and a compelling narrative style, Midas Dekkers brings a refreshing, entertaining and illuminating perspective to a once-taboo subject.
Midas Dekkers is a bestselling Dutch writer and biologist. His books include Physical Exercise, The Way of All Flesh, Dearest Pet and The Larva.
Nancy Forest-Flier is a Dutch-to-English translator. She was educated in the United States and now lives in the Netherlands.
A Note From the Publisher
US release will be on 15 January 2019
Advance Praise
‘Entertaining, amusing, educational and revealing…Sitting on the toilet will never be the same.’—ArtsHub
‘A funny but earnest investigation—part social history, biology lesson and cultural study—that takes Chaucerian delight in the subject.’—Sydney Morning Herald
‘Dekkers doesn’t hold back in his brimming history…You learn a lot…So, do I recommend a book that tells how the CIA tried using transmitters disguised as tiger turds to eavesdrop on the Viet Cong? Oh…faeces, yes.’—New Zealand Listener
‘[A] remarkable foray into every aspect of diet, digestion and defecation…This is a fascinating, milestone work that should run out of bookshops like shit off a hot shovel.’—GPSpeak
‘It is such a wondrous thing when a scientist can explain facts in a humorous, straightforward and thrilling fashion.’—Toowoomba Chronicle
‘A masterful writing style that is not only unique in biology but without equal in the whole of Dutch literature. The Story of Shit shows Dekkers once again to be in possession of a golden pen.’—New Scientist
‘For those who aren’t aware: we are not our brain, we are our gut. There is always that unmistakable Midas touch: his brilliant, sharp style makes it hard to suppress a laugh or a smile.’—Medisch Contact
‘A fascinating, very funny look at something common to us all.’—Daily Telegraph
‘[An] utterly unique, bizarre and interesting take on this universal-yet-taboo topic… Dekkers is an enthusiastic proponent of crap.’—AU Review
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781925355178 |
| PRICE | US$16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 304 |
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