From hand tools to holidays to weapons to washing machines, An Uncommon History of Common Things is a freewheeling reference to hundreds of customs, notions, and inventions that reflect human ingenuity throughout history.

Table of Contents

• Foreword
• About This Book
• CHAPTER ONE FOOD & DRINK
• Daily Fare
• On the Side
• Beverages
• Snacks
• Sweets
• Utensils & Containers
• CHAPTER TWO SEASONS & HOLIDAYS
• Spring
• Summer
• Fall
• Winter
• CHAPTER THREE CEREMONY & CUSTOMS
• Courtesies
• Weddings
• Babies
• Funerals
• All-American
• CHAPTER FOUR SYMBOLS & MARKINGS
• Gestures
• Signs
• Superstitions
• Tributes
• Hair & Body Marking
• CHAPTER FIVE HEARTH & HOME
• Buildings
• Houses
• Rooms
• Elements
• Appliances
• Backyard
• CHAPTER SIX GARMENTS & ACCESSORIES
• Clothing
• Underwear
• Headwear
• Footwear
• Fasteners
• Accessories
• Laundry
• CHAPTER SEVEN MEDICATIONS & POTIONS
• Hygiene
• Beautification
• Health
• First Aid
• CHAPTER EIGHT TOYS & GAMES
• Old-fashioned Fun
• Classic Games
• Sports
• Classic Toys
• Other Pastimes
• CHAPTER NINE TOOLS & INNOVATIONS
• Tools
• Communication
• Transportation
• Observation
• Weapons
• Medicine
• Economy
• Further Reading