Warm And Snug: The History Of The Bed

by Lawrence Wright

In this book, Lawrence Wright takes a look at the place where we spend a third of our lives - bed. From a Neolithic stone bed unearthed at Skara Brae to the bed (c. 1350 BC) from Tutankhamen's tomb, from stark Anglo-Saxon designs to ornate early Renaissance beds and elaborate State bedchambers, this is a journey through the history of social, sexual and sanitary attitudes to the design of beds. Illustrated with over 200 images, including early wood-engravings and etchings and later contemporary drawings, this book explores beautiful, bizarre and humorous approaches to beds. Chippendale, in his Chinese period, created an elegant lacquered and gilt bed in strange contrast to his fantastic design for one with such an elaborate and overpowering superstructure that the bed itself looks like a small cushion. In modern times, the need for space inspired more practical designs such as wardrobe beds and American metal folding beds. Filled with a wealth of curious facts this is an ideal book for anyone interested in the history of everyday things.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

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Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book explores, in roughly chronological order, the history of the design of beds – how beds have evolved from simple straw-filled sacks, to elaborately carved and decorated indications of prestige, to the more practical versions of the modern era.

It’s also chock-full of interesting trivia about beds and our sleeping arrangements.

For example, the term “making your bed” originally referred to the act of stuffing an empty sack with straw, because that was what most beds were in medieval times. If you were traveling and stopped at an inn for the night, you were often expected to share your room – and many times even your bed – with complete strangers. And when William Shakespeare left his “second best bed” to his wife in his will, he wasn’t insulting her. By that time, beds had become status symbols and were easily the most expensive and valuable items of furniture in the house. (The “best” bed usually went to the heir or heiress who inherited the house, not to the widow.)

The author has a humorous approach to his writing reminiscent of Bill Bryson, and keeps his chapters blessedly short.

However, it seems as if he crammed in every detail he could unearth about beds, to the point where it was almost mind-numbing at times. He also took a detour from his chronological approach midway through the book, which slowed down the reading pace even more.

But if you like trivia about everyday household objects, this book is definitely recommended reading.

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very well written.

[Theresa Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about the history of beds, from different cultures. A bit dry in terms of the writing but filled with really valuable information. A good purchase and I'm glad I read it, though it did drag at times, and had a kind of 'academic' feel to it. Written, and published in England and you can tell, though it is an important book on the subject. Would be wonderful as a reference source for a future book on the history of beds.