The Totally Gross History of Ancient China

Book excerpt: A unique overview of the fashion and dress, diet, hygiene, medicine, and other cultural aspects of the ancient Chinese. This entertaining yet informative book details practices that may seem peculiar to today’s students, while respectfully contextualizing another culture and time, especially one as ancient, rich, and foundational as that of ancient China. Readers are drawn in by the sometimes distasteful details—the fun “gross-out” factor—but also gain an appreciation of the inventiveness, sophistication, and practicality of the ancient Chinese. Overall, this title is a lively exploration of the scientific and cultural practices of a pre-modern civilization.