Exploring the complex connection between the American West and its soil, this narrative delves into the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of dirt. It examines how perceptions of land and agriculture have shaped identities and communities, highlighting both reverence and disdain for the earth. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful analysis, the book reveals the multifaceted role that dirt plays in the region's development and the ongoing tension between progress and preservation.
Katherine Ashenburg Books
Katherine Ashenburg is an award-winning non-fiction author whose work spans subjects from travel to mourning customs and architecture. She is known for her deep curiosity about human practices and history, often approached from an unexpected angle. Ashenburg explores society's ambivalent relationship with various aspects of life and death, infusing her writing with spirited analysis. Her prose is skillful and engaging, offering readers fresh perspectives on both familiar and lesser-known phenomena.




The exploration of mourning rituals unfolds as Katherine Ashenburg observes her daughter's instinctive responses to loss following her fiancé's sudden death. Fascinated by the diverse and creative ways cultures throughout history have commemorated grief, Ashenburg delves into various traditions and practices. The narrative highlights the universal experience of sorrow while celebrating the unique expressions of mourning that reflect human resilience and connection across different societies.
Her Turn
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Exploring the complexities of unexpected relationships, this novel follows a journalist who finds herself in an unusual bond with her ex-husband's wife. Blending humor and emotional depth, it captures the nuances of love, friendship, and the entangled lives of modern women. With a style reminiscent of Nora Ephron, the story offers a fresh perspective on family dynamics and personal growth, making it both relatable and entertaining.
Skąd się wzięło mydło? Co naprawdę działo się w łaźniach rzymskich? Kt�ra narodowość czyściła zęby uryną? Jak wyglądała poranna toaleta Ludwika XIV, Kr�la-Słońce?.Na te i inne pytania odpowiada w swej książce Katherine Ashenburg, tworząc jednocześnie wyjątkowy obraz ewolucji pojęcia higieny od czas�w najdawniejszych po wiek XX.Na przestrzeni epok zmieniały się poglądy na brud jako taki, co ściśle łączyło się z koncepcjami prywatności, zdrowia i choroby, śmierci, z poglądami na religię i seksualność, z koncepcjami dotyczącymi sensu życia. Instytucje państwowe, kościelne, lekarze, pisarze, autorytety moralne r�żnie podchodzili do dbania o czystość, raz gloryfikując, raz przeklinając ideę mycia się.�