The Book of Dirt: A Smelly History of Dirt, Disease and Human Hygiene

The Book of Dirt: A Smelly History of Dirt, Disease and Human Hygiene by Monika Utnik-Strugała, illustrated by Piotr Socha (English translation by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones)

Rating: 4.5/5

The Book of Dirt is a brilliantly informative, delightfully irreverent exploration of humanity’s long, complicated, and often very smelly relationship with hygiene. Aimed primarily at younger readers but equally fascinating for adults, this nonfiction book turns topics like dirt, disease, bodily functions, and cleanliness into an engaging, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful reading experience.

Monika Utnik-Strugała’s text guides readers through centuries of beliefs and practices surrounding hygiene, from ancient civilizations that valued bathing, through medieval Europe where water was feared as a carrier of disease, to modern understandings shaped by science and microbiology. Along the way, the book answers irresistibly curious questions: how people cleaned themselves before toilet paper existed, why wigs became fashionable (and what lived in them), how astronauts deal with bodily needs in space, and why a little dirt is not always the enemy.

What truly elevates the book is Piotr Socha’s spectacular illustrations. Bursting with color, detail, and visual jokes, they transform historical facts into scenes that invite prolonged exploration. Every spread is packed with tiny details that reward careful looking, making the book as much a visual experience as a textual one. The large format allows the illustrations to shine, and the design feels luxurious yet playful.

Importantly, The Book of Dirt goes beyond shock value. It places hygiene in social, cultural, and even political contexts, showing how ideas of “clean” and “dirty” have been used to define class, morality, and power. It also gently challenges modern obsessions with sterility, reminding readers that some exposure to dirt is essential for healthy immune systems.

The tone strikes an excellent balance: humorous without being crude, educational without being dry. Children will laugh and gasp; adults will nod in recognition and learn plenty of surprising facts they never encountered in school. One minor limitation is that certain topics, such as menstruation, are only briefly addressed or absent, which some readers may find disappointing given the book’s otherwise comprehensive scope.

In conclusion, The Book of Dirt is a smart, bold, and beautifully crafted work of popular science and history. It makes learning fun, encourages curiosity, and leaves readers with a deeper appreciation for modern hygiene and their own bathrooms. An excellent choice for families, classrooms, and anyone who enjoys learning through humor and art.