The Fourth Fixture!
Der Vierte feste Toiletteneinrichtungsgegenstand
by Dr. Werfen Speien
published by Kotzen Verlag, Ausladen, Germany.
Reviewed by Ralph Hurley
From the bacchanalia of ancient Rome to the beer halls of modern-day Bavaria, Dr. Speien traces the history of the "fourth fixture" as it parallels the rise, fall, and rise again of the Holy Roman Empire. Details of design and construction throughout the ages are provided, along with illustrations from period sources, including photographs of vases depicting rituals surrounding the fourth fixture's uses, architectural plans, illuminations from medieval manuscripts, songs of the Minnesingers, and other literary references.
Unlike previous books on the subject, in which the same old material is regurgitated again and again, Dr. Speien pours forth a new fount of colorful, meaty information. As someone whose name is synonymous with the subject, I find myself in an appropriate position to review this book. I highly recommend this lavishly illustrated, large format volume, which should be equally at home on one's coffee table or bathroom, perhaps even next to your fourth fixture, should you happen to own one.
Last Updated: 11 February, 1996
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