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The story of shit
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The story of shit

by Midas Dekkers, Nancy Forest-Flier

This study explores the cultural, historical, biological, and social significance of defecation, examining the history of the toilet, the environmental impact of human waste, and the evolution of societal taboos surrounding a universal bodily function.

Accession 13315 ISBN 9781925355178 Publisher Text Publishing
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TAGS
Curated Derived
Biology Family and Society Life Sciences Medicine Philosophy Science
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No connections
State
on_shelf
True
position_updated_at
2026-06-01 16:43
orientation
vertical
Details

Physical

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Hard Back
dimensions
none captured
spine_text
none captured

Metadata

Book form
LOCATION HISTORY
M:N3:28 4 Current vertical
1 week, 3 days ago
Book Location
Updated 4 days, 20 hours ago
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Frozen copy of Vernon's record from the last sync. Fields tagged → flow back into the Pulse record.

Last synced 2026-05-21 01:00 (2 weeks, 2 days ago)

Identity

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The story of shit
vernon_id
20919
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13315
vernon_slug
the-story-of-shit-midas-dekkers-translated-by-nancy-forest-flier

Drives Pulse state

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On Shelf
location_name
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location_reason
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isbn_issn→ isbn (when valid)
9781925355178

Descriptive

production_date
2018
object_type
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object_status
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brief_description
We are very discreet. We disappear into a small room, perform the task, flush, wash and reappear as if nothing happened. Of course, hygiene is necessary - some faecal bacteria, if re-ingested, can cause very serious problems - and unpleasant aromas are best kept at bay. But in all this hygienic discretion have we lost touch with an integral part of ourselves - something as much a part of living as breathing, eating and sleeping? Something enriching, creative and even enjoyable. In The Story of Shit, Dutch biologist Midas Dekkers presents a personal, cultural, scientific, historical and environmental account of shit, from the digestive process and the fascinating workings of the gut, to the act of defecation and toilet etiquette. With irreverent humour and a compelling narrative style, Dekkers brings a refreshing, entertaining and illuminating perspective to a once-taboo subject.

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
Midas Dekkers, Nancy Forest-Flier
tags→ tags
Science, Life sciences, Ethics, Philosophy, Biology, Organs (Anatomy), Anatomy, Etiquette, Conduct of life, Physiology, Faeces [Feces], Excretion, Defecation, Intestines, Gastrointestinal system, Digestive organs
subject_people
Wim Delvoye (b.1965)
subject_objects
—

Cover image

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21085

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Topics and Themes