‘A thing of unspeakable horror’ - The history of the loo in literature and life
Date
1987?
Authors
Couzens, T.
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Abstract
The title of this book requires explanation. Some years ago I saw a Don
Martin cartoon in Mad Magazine. It was of one of his crazed-looking, loony
characters standing in a laboratory with a test-tube filled with smoking
liquid in his hand. He says: *One drink of this and I shall turn into a thing
of unspeakable horror*. He drinks ... and nothing happens. So he throws the
failed experimental liquid into a nearby sink. Instantly it turns into ••• a
loo! As we shall see the cartoon is manifestly slanderous. I must also own up to a personal interest in the subject. My father was a
plumber; my grandfather was a plumber. I hail from a plumbing line. But I
was the stupid one of the family - I became an academic. I have never quite
managed to become part of the Brain Drain. Instead I must content myself with
being, at least today, the Drain Brain. I am, however, no Specialist, and
this book should not be taken as the last word on the subject.
The writing of loo history is an ancient and honorable profession and I must
thank some of the pioneers in the field whose work I have drawn upon.
Description
African Studies Seminar series. Paper presented [1987?]. Paper marked 'Additional Seminar paper'