"Terence McLaughlin's delightful study of dirt covers much cultivated-and uncultivated-ground.
The historical perspective begins with the Romans' answer to body odor (baths) and the early Christians' rejection of Roman values, including cleanliness. Following mankind down the dusty road of civilization, the author leaves us where we are now: surrounded by what all seem to agree is dirty air, dirty water, dirty landscapes, and dirty cities. Perhaps this history of our past associations with dirt will help us deal with pollution now. Dirt has had-and always will have-its place. Terence McLaughlin helps us understand where that place is."--Jacket.