UKH

Small book about building an outdoor toilet

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 Blue Straggler 03 May 2018

Years ago a colleague showed me a humourous little American book which is sort-of aimed at design engineers.

Written in character and (I think) addressing you the reader, it just outlines all the considerations of building an outside toilet, as a way of pointing out that things aren't as simple as you think. Maybe 40 pages or so, regarding wind direction, lighting, pretty shapes cut into the wooden door etc. 

The idea being that you get to the end of the book and think "wow, all those considerations, and that's just for an outdoor bog! What must it be like to design a typewriter or an aeroplane....?!"


Does anyone know the name and author of this book? I'd like to get hold of a copy.
Thanks

 JamButty 03 May 2018
In reply to Blue Straggler:

I don't think its this one,  but a worthy addition to anyones collection

 

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/202954/how-to-shit-in-the-woods-3r...

 

 

 d_b 03 May 2018
In reply to Blue Straggler:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Specialist-Charles-Sale/dp/0285632264

There was also a short b/w film based on it, which is worth digging out.

 

Found it: youtube.com/watch?v=ZwOKFlv_4c8&

Post edited at 12:20
 Fraser 03 May 2018
In reply to Blue Straggler:

You're not thinking of this one are you? It's about the design and construction of a hut/garden room, rather than a loo, but the rest of the 'plot' fits, although it's quite a bit longer than 40 pages. Even if it's not the one you're looking for, it's still a decent read and I can recommend it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Place-My-Own-Architecture-Daydreams/dp/0143114743

 

 

 FactorXXX 03 May 2018
In reply to Blue Straggler:

What came first?
The toilet for reading a book on? Or, the book on how to make a toilet?

In reply to JamButty:

Wow, thanks all. Yes d_b that is certainly the one. I'll bookmark the film and watch soon!

 jcw 03 May 2018
In reply to Blue Straggler:

 Never mind the film, look at the original cover of The Specialist by Charles Sale 1929. 

 nufkin 03 May 2018
In reply to Blue Straggler:

>  The idea being that you get to the end of the book and think "wow, all those considerations, and that's just for an outdoor bog! What must it be like to design a typewriter or an aeroplane....?!"

And that you can take pride in even the most humble endeavours

 FactorXXX 03 May 2018
In reply to nufkin:

> And that you can take pride in even the most humble endeavours

A jobbie well done?

In reply to nufkin:

> And that you can take pride in even the most humble endeavours

Yes, it is 15 years since I saw this book so I have surely forgotten some details and so on. Ta

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