Dive In and Drift Away – A Cultural History of Bathing and Swimming
"Bernd Brunner has written a superb book on the history of bathing and swimming ... featuring rare tidbits about women’s baths, lifeguards, private pools, swimwear, and Goethe as a portly crawl swimmer. A collection, which is as entertaining as it is informative."
Werner Bartens (senior science editor), Süddeutsche Zeitung
"Bernd Brunner explains how bathing has oscillated between fear, body worship, and a longing for refreshment since ancient times."
German National Public Radio (Deutschlandfunk)
"A clever, entertaining book about the art and joy of swimming through life."
German Life Saving Association, magazine „Life Saver“ (DLRG)
"Anyone who loves swimming should check out Bernd Brunner’s fascinating account of “Dive in and Drift Away.” ... For Brunner, the focus is primarily on the history of humankind in water—from the first swimming manuals to the modern love of the ocean—and on thought, since swimming exerts a “spiritual allure” that is also reflected in philosophy."
Ronald Düker, Philosophie Magazin
"The cultural history of swimming? Sounds like a dry subject. But it’s full of surprising facts and anecdotes about curious contraptions. It’s a pleasure to read „Dive In and Drift Away“, Brunner’s entertaining and enlightening cultural history of bathing and swimming.
Brunner’s cultural history is also brought to life by the many illustrations, such as those of curious, patented swimming aids from the 19th century. Brunner’s cultural history of bathing and swimming broadens our horizons and makes us look forward to our next visit to the outdoor pool."
Tobias Wenzel, Swiss National Public Radio (SRF)
"The author takes us on a journey through bathing culture, body image, hygiene, morality, and that wonderfully human longing to just let yourself drift. But ancient rituals, seaside resorts, swimming pools, swimwear, and even those sturdy dippers also make an appearance. This isn’t your typical nonfiction book; it’s more like a book that makes you feel as though you’re sitting next to someone who really knows their stuff and says, “Listen, water has always been so much more than just wet.” And suddenly you find yourself thinking about swimming pools, bathing rules, and swimsuits as if you’d never done anything else. This highly successful work is rounded out by numerous illustrations that bring the whole thing to life. – This isn’t a book for those looking for quick facts, but for readers who enjoy smart, unique nonfiction and like to venture beyond the usual topics, it’s a great find and suitable for any library collection."
Jutta Weber, Borromäusverein (umbrella organization for Catholic public libraries across Germany, excluding Bavaria)
192 pages, photos and vintage illustrations
Germany: HarperCollins Deutschland