Description
Most of us take our underwear for granted, but throughout history our undies have revealed a lot about who we are (king or peasant), how we work (in fields or factories) or the shapes we value (manly calves or tiny waists).
The third book in Annick’s 50 Questions series tackles questions such as “What’s that smell?” (Medieval Europeans thought bathing made you sick) and “Did boxers arrive in the Nick of time?” (When blue jean model Nick Kamen stepped out of his denims to reveal his boxers, sales of the underwear soared.) Underwear has played a role in ancient crusades, city sieges and even modern economic predictions. Obviously, it’s time to uncover the facts about everything from loincloths and T-shirts to bloomers and lingerie.
Young readers will laugh their pants off at the accompanying cartoons and get the bare, but fascinating, facts about the history of our unmentionables.
Reviews
“The tone is sufficiently brisk and the material so fun and different, most anyone will enjoy this one.”
- January Magazine, 12/11
“This extremely informative book takes a topic that is inherently interesting to kids and presents it in a manner that is both sprightly and nonsensational.”
- Booklist, 12/11
“A highly recommended resource for all curious readers who enjoy a good laugh.”
- Resource Links, 12/11
“A bright bold, attractive book that grabs your attention right away.”
- Back to Books, 01/20/12
“Will work as a fabulous booktalk for librarians looking for something fun and different to expand their nonfiction repertoire.”
- School Library Journal, 02/12
“Humorous, extremely well-researched, delightfully written.”
- Keen Readers.org, 03/14/12
“The fresh . . . treatment . . . supports the bold, upbeat writing in this well-thought-out approach to the history of underwear.”
- Canadian Children’s Book News, 04/12
“This entertaining and educational read is intended for children ages nine and up, but is fun and fast for adults to read as well.”
- The Deakin Review of Children’s Literature, 04/12