Things which we regard as the everyday objects of consumption (and hence re-purchase), and essential to any decent, civilised lifestyle, have not always been so

Relates facts and information about a host of ordinary things ranging from safety pins to negligees.

Hilarious, entertaining, and illustrated histories behind some of life's most common and underappreciated objects - from the paperclip and the toothbrush to the

Describes the origins of over 400 everyday items, arranged in alphabetical order.