Few inventions have done as much to ease the human lot as the indispensable but taken-for-granted lavatory. Bearing such proud names as "Unitas," "Eureka," "Excelsior," and "Optimus," and adorned with elegant patterns such as writhing convolvulus, classical temples, or swimming fish - some were even made in the shape of dolphins - the gleaming beauties in Temples of Convenience help celebrate the rich, full history of this sanitary wonder.

In this expanded edition of her classic book, Lucinda Lambton explores the development of the lavatory from the latrine and the garderobe to the sophisticated and exquisitely decorated piece of sanitary engineering - designed by Bramah, Jennings, Twyford, and Shanks - that turned a foul necessity into an aesthetic delight.

Over 150 jewels of sanitation have been described and photographed by Lucinda Lambton, all of them eagerly nosed out in both private houses and gentleman's clubs, as well as in public houses and department stores. There are privies, toilets and chamber pots galore, not to mention baths and richly wrought washstands; indeed, anything that symbolizes the glories and splendors of sanitation.