The ultimate bath-time read, Hot Water is a beautiful book that interestingly manages to cover two camps. The first being an insightful exploration of the social history of bathing. The second as guide to the acquisition of the various paraphernalia associated with the bathing ceremony throughout the world. The former is interesting enough, plotting the history of bathing in the French court and comparing the activities therein to those of the Romans, for whom bath time meant exercise, debate, food and sex as well as water. The second though, is where Hot Water really comes into its own. From the outside shower cubicle perched high on a London rooftop--belonging to an architect for whom modesty is obviously not an issue--through to the modernist dreams that frequent some of the glossier magazines, each testifies to the simple yet simultaneously sensual pleasure of bathing. Every featured bathroom appears almost as a work of art in itself. But the best is yet to come. The most valuable section of this book is the directory of suppliers at the back. This type of directory has been available to the trade for years so it"s a refreshing change to have this information available within the public domain, especially here when so much of what we see will inspire imitation. The crux of Hot Water is quite simple with Jane Withers raising the question." Given the time we spend in the bathroom, why shouldn"t it be enjoyable?" Why indeed? With Hot Water on your bookshelf you"re well on the way to being able to relax in a hot tub you thought only existed in your dreams. --Tony Martin