Book Review- The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem
Updated: 5 days ago
By Colleen Paeff
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Narrative non-fiction at its finest, The Great Stink whisks readers back to London in 1858, a time when the city was grappling with a rather peculiar issue—the entire city reeked!
The book dives deep into the origins of this stinky problem, explaining how London’s sewers, initially constructed for different purposes, inadvertently turned the Thames into a cesspool of untreated waste. With multiple cholera outbreaks and unbearable living conditions, the city was in dire straits.
Enter Joseph Bazalgette, a civil engineer with a keen understanding of London's sewer system. Despite facing considerable skepticism, Bazalgette's persistence paid off. He designed a brilliant and innovative sewage system that not only cleaned up the mess but also restored London to its former glory.
For anyone who thinks history is dull, this book is bound to change their mind. Paeff's engaging, humorous writing paired with Carpenter's detailed and vibrant illustrations make this book a must-read. It’s a fantastic resource for any young problem-solver, showing that science and engineering aren’t just about space exploration or time travel—they’re also about tackling everyday issues, like keeping a city clean.
Perfect for children aged 6 and up.
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