Home Truths: An Alternative History of Every House - Softcover

Home Truths uncovers the strange and often bizarre stories behind the inventions, and inventors, that have shaped our homes. From dado rails and stencilling - which date from Roman times - noggins and newel posts to power showers, lights and lightning rods, wallpapers and windows, floors and fitted kitchens, Bill Laws's book takes us on a journey of discovery that exposes the true secrets behind our four walls. Included here are the incredible flying fitted kitchens, the true saga behind the Aga, Mr Chubb's great lock scandal and how front doors were changed forever by the penny post, while the near-death experience of one British royal contributed to the contemporary bathroom. This book will ensure that you never look at your wallpaper and laminate flooring in the same way again!

BILL LAWS is fascinated by garden and house history and has written several books uncovering the eccentric history behind Britain's passion for their property and the plot surrounding it, including: Spade, Skirret and Parsnip: The Curious History of Vegetables and Byways, Boots and Blisters (The History Press). He lives in Hereford.