Histories of Dirt

Discover the compelling insights of Stephanie Newell in her book Histories of Dirt, published in 2019. This engaging 277-page exploration delves into the perceptions of urban spaces and their inhabitants, particularly in the context of colonial and postcolonial Lagos. Newell presents dirt not merely as a physical substance, but as a powerful interpretive category that shapes moral, sanitary, economic, and aesthetic evaluations of cultures deemed unclean. Through a diverse array of sources, including newspaper articles from elite Lagosians, colonial travel writings, public health films, and urban planning documents, she uncovers the intricate ways in which notions of cleanliness and dirt influence societal views. Histories of Dirt is essential reading for anyone interested in environmental health, urban studies, and public health, offering a thought-provoking examination of how perceptions of dirt affect urban life and culture.