An Underground Education

An Underground Education reveals forgotten and suppressed historical facts spanning ancient civilization through the 20th century. The book covers topics like medicine, sex, crime, business, science, religion and education with a focus on the stranger and more shocking elements that traditional history texts omit. Richard Zacks presents his research through standalone chapters and vignettes that can be read in any order. The format allows readers to explore bizarre medical practices, outlawed business schemes, religious controversies, and other hidden aspects of human culture at their own pace. Each section includes primary source documentation and historical evidence to support the unusual claims and revelations. The writing maintains a straightforward, journalistic approach while tackling sensitive and sometimes controversial subject matter. This encyclopedic work challenges conventional historical narratives by highlighting the messier, darker, and more complex realities of how civilizations and societies actually functioned. The book serves as a counter-history that questions sanitized versions of the past.

Readers describe this book as an entertaining collection of historical facts and stories that challenge common assumptions. Many note it works well as a casual reference to dip into rather than reading cover-to-cover. Readers appreciated: - The irreverent writing style and humor - Extensive research and citations - Coverage of taboo/shocking historical topics - Usefulness for trivia and conversation starters Common criticisms: - Some facts feel sensationalized or cherry-picked - Organization can feel scattered and random - Writing occasionally comes across as juvenile - Several readers questioned accuracy of certain claims Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (280+ ratings) Sample reader quote: "Perfect bathroom reading - fascinating bite-sized chunks of history that will make you say 'I can't believe that!'" - Goodreads reviewer Multiple readers noted the book pairs well with QI (Quite Interesting) and similar trivia-focused content.

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🔍 Author Richard Zacks spent seven years researching this book, poring through dusty archives and rare book collections across multiple countries. ⚡ The book reveals that Benjamin Franklin published a guide teaching colonial Americans how to perform DIY abortions, though he later regretted it. 🎭 Victorian-era doctors prescribed cocaine for children's toothaches and sold heroin as an over-the-counter cough remedy. 📚 Many "common knowledge" historical facts debunked in the book came from Victorian-era writers who deliberately sanitized history to make it more palatable for their audience. 🗞️ Zacks previously worked as a journalist and wrote for The Atlantic Monthly, The Village Voice, and Time magazine before becoming an author of historical non-fiction.