Catalog Search Results
1) Deadly Diets
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Did you know that an 18th century Swedish king ate himself to death at a feast? Or that Maria Callas swallowed a tapeworm to try to control her weight? People throughout the ages have turned to bizarre dietary regimes to shape their bodies. This book covers so many interesting moments in food history, from cannibals to fasting, moral diets to extreme weight loss, fad diets to war rationing, and the diagnosis of eating disorders to Elvis. At the same...
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Since ancient times, people have constructed elaborate rituals to keep their bodies clean. There have also been periods when bathing was rare. Baths have even served as social centers and therapy solutions. Whether it's perfume or Palmolive, scrubbing in or sea bathing, body odor or bathing in milk, people have always had opinions about cleanliness. This book illuminates the strange history of the customs and products used through accessible, fun...
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
For thousands of years, people have wanted to keep their skin soft and free of blemishes. Bathing and pale, clean skin were signs of wealth and privilege, though skin tanning is popular these days. What substances people have used, however, will surprise and disgust you: whipped ostrich eggs, donkey milk, crocodile excrement, gem stone poultices, crocodile glands, wolf's blood, mud, and even a lotion made from boar's brains. From homemade remedies...
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Piercings and tattoos, scarification and cosmetic surgery, foot binding and body building, corsets, and crinolines. People have long altered the shape of their body parts using physical modifications or specially designed clothing in order to fulfill a beauty standard. Then, they learned that other culture's ideas were different. For instance, exploration and trade brought Europeans into contact with peoples who had far different ideals of physical...
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Did you know that Louis XIV, the Sun King, had 48 wigmakers to help him hide his premature baldness? Hair has always been a part of what makes a person look both attractive and powerful, but it's also frequently been the subject of regulation and public opinion. From afros to wigs, modest bonnets to beehives, side burns to shaved looks, and so much more, the history of hair is decidedly weird and complicated. Samson and Delilah, the Beatles, Farrah...
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Is universal health care a good idea? Has the Affordable Care Act been a success or a failure? These questions can be answered many different ways. Readers are introduced to the variety of views on health care as they take a deep dive into this crucial current events topic. The narrative encourages readers to become more informed citizens, and sidebars that present expert viewpoints help them gain a deeper understanding of the health care debate....
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
The ability to have free and open debates about the government is an essential part of a healthy democracy. Readers are encouraged to find their own voice in these debates as they're introduced to the varying viewpoints surrounding the issue of presidential power. The main text helps readers back up their point of view with facts, and sidebars highlight the views of experts on this controversial issue. Discussion questions help readers strengthen...