Short Synopsis
In her brilliantly and creatively researched book, Lucy Worsley, author of The Courtiers, takes us through the bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen and provides us with a compelling account of how these four rooms of the home have evolved from medieval times to today.

Full Synopsis
Why did the flushing toilet take two centuries to catch on? Why did medieval people sleep sitting up? When were the two "dirty centuries?" Why did gas lighting cause Victorian ladies to faint? Why, for centuries, did rich people fear fruit?

In her brilliantly and creatively researched book, Lucy Worsley takes us through the bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. She covers the history of each room and explores what people actually did in bed, in the bath, at the table, and at the stove—from sauce stirring to breastfeeding, teeth cleaning to masturbation, getting dressed to getting married—providing a compelling account of how the four rooms of the home have evolved from medieval times to today.

"Who could not be enthralled by the history of toilet paper? Anyone who lives in a home with a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom will delight in reading this history of the development of home life." ---Kirkus Starred Review

"This treasure trove of fun and homey facts definitely has universal appeal." ---Booklist

"A fascinating journey." ---Daily Mail (UK)

"Saucy intimacies and salacious secrets . . . I was glued." ---Country Life (UK)

"Anne Flosnik narrates capably, using lower tones for men and royalty, to good effect. She keeps the pace going throughout and conveys the author's experiences at trying her hand at some activities in historic sites--blacking a stove, for instance. She is energetic and enthusiastic in a very British way, which suits the book perfectly." ---SoundCommentary

"An expert reading that…[is] a pleasure to listen to. [Flosnik's] intonation and careful pauses allow Worsley's research on the purpose of each room and how usage has changed over time to shine." ---AudioFile

Kirkus Review