Description
1991 edition. Paperback cover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and bending. Spine has some reading creases and wear. Pages have some small marks but largely are clean and the binding is secure.
This delightfully quirky volume, “It’s a Gas: A Study of Flatulence” by Eric S. Rabkin, is a literary gem that defies conventional expectations. Published in 1991, it offers a refreshingly candid exploration of a taboo subject that has long been shrouded in euphemisms and hushed tones. Rabkin, a renowned literature professor and author, brings his erudite wit and scholarly acumen to bear on the oft-neglected topic of flatulence, weaving together insights from literature, history, and science.
With a deft touch, Rabkin traces the cultural and literary representations of flatulence across centuries, from the bawdy humor of Chaucer and Shakespeare to the more veiled references in Victorian literature. He delves into the physiological mechanics of flatulence, dispelling myths and offering scientific explanations in an accessible and entertaining manner. Beyond mere amusement, Rabkin’s work invites readers to confront societal discomfort surrounding bodily functions and to appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience that encompasses both the exalted and the mundane.
This well-preserved copy, with its minor wear and tear, bears witness to the enduring appeal of Rabkin’s unconventional masterpiece. For collectors of the offbeat and connoisseurs of the intellectually audacious, “It’s a Gas” represents a rare opportunity to own a thought-provoking and delightfully irreverent exploration of a universally relatable, yet rarely discussed, human experience.
