Description

Book Synopsis
Produced behind closed doors, disposed of discreetly, hidden by euphemism, shit is rarely out in the open in 'civilized' society, but the world of waste - and the people who deal with it, work with it and in it - is a rich one.This book takes us underground to the sewers of New York and London and overground to meet the heroes of India's sanitation movement, American sewage schoolteachers, the Japanese genius at the cutting edge of toilet technology and the biosolids lobbying team. With a journalist's nose for story and a campaigner's desire for change, Rose George also addresses the politics of this under-reported social and environmental effluent, and the consequences of our reluctance to talk about it. Witty and original, The Big Necessity proves that shit doesn't have to be a dirty word.

Trade Review
* 'The first popular study written on the subject. And popular it deserves to be. George has the right kind of breezy serious approach needed with this universal taboo.' Daily Mail * 'A fascinating, wise, calm and scrupulously drawn portrait of the world and its waste - [this is] a seriously important book.' Simon Winchester * 'George bravely submerges herself in the tragedy and occasional comedy of global sanitation. Sludge, biogas, sewage: I ate up and wanted more! The most unforgettable book to pass through the publishing pipeline in years.' Mary Roach, author of Stiff and Bonk

The Big Necessity: Adventures In The World Of

Product form

£8.54

Includes FREE delivery

RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 22 Dec 2025.

A Paperback / softback by Rose George

1 in stock


    View other formats and editions of The Big Necessity: Adventures In The World Of by Rose George

    Publisher: Granta Books
    Publication Date: 06/07/2009
    ISBN13: 9781846270703, 978-1846270703
    ISBN10: 1846270707

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    Produced behind closed doors, disposed of discreetly, hidden by euphemism, shit is rarely out in the open in 'civilized' society, but the world of waste - and the people who deal with it, work with it and in it - is a rich one.This book takes us underground to the sewers of New York and London and overground to meet the heroes of India's sanitation movement, American sewage schoolteachers, the Japanese genius at the cutting edge of toilet technology and the biosolids lobbying team. With a journalist's nose for story and a campaigner's desire for change, Rose George also addresses the politics of this under-reported social and environmental effluent, and the consequences of our reluctance to talk about it. Witty and original, The Big Necessity proves that shit doesn't have to be a dirty word.

    Trade Review
    * 'The first popular study written on the subject. And popular it deserves to be. George has the right kind of breezy serious approach needed with this universal taboo.' Daily Mail * 'A fascinating, wise, calm and scrupulously drawn portrait of the world and its waste - [this is] a seriously important book.' Simon Winchester * 'George bravely submerges herself in the tragedy and occasional comedy of global sanitation. Sludge, biogas, sewage: I ate up and wanted more! The most unforgettable book to pass through the publishing pipeline in years.' Mary Roach, author of Stiff and Bonk

    Recently viewed products

    © 2025 Book Curl

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Maestro
      • Mastercard
      • PayPal
      • Shop Pay
      • Union Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account