Warm And Snug: The History Of The Bed

In this book Lawrence Wright takes a look at the place where we spend a third of our lives - bed. From a Neolithic stone bed unearthed at Skara Brae to the bed (c. 1350 BC) from Tutankhamens tomb from stark Anglo-Saxon designs to ornate early Renaissance beds and elaborate State bedchambers this is a journey through the history of social sexual and sanitary attitudes to the design of beds. Illustrated with over 200 images including early wood-engravings and etchings and later contemporary drawings this book explores beautiful bizarre and humorous approaches to beds. Chippendale in his Chinese period created an elegant lacquered and gilt bed in strange contrast to his fantastic design for one with such an elaborate and overpowering superstructure that the bed itself looks like a small cushion. In modern times the need for space inspired more practical designs such as wardrobe beds and American metal folding beds. Filled with a wealth of curious facts this is an ideal book for anyone interested in the history of everyday things.