A classic early-20th-century school text on public health, hygiene, and basic physiology, Health and Cleanliness pairs practical guidance with engaging illustrations. Co-authored by M. V. O’Shea and John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek fame, this revised 1927 printing reflects Progressive Era ideas on sanitation and healthy living—timely for historians and collectors alike.
Inside you’ll find b&w photographs and line diagrams on ventilation, housing, germ theory basics, and daily health habits, all in sturdy pictorial cloth boards. Photo-verified and shelf-ready for readers, educators, and decor.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: Vintage hardcover book
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Size: 8 × 6 × 0.25 in
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Material: Cloth over boards
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Color: Tan cloth with red & black pictorial stamping
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Origin or Maker: The Macmillan Company, New York
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Year or Era: 1927 (revised edition; later printing)
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GENRE: Public Health / Physiology / Hygiene
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Language / Pages: English / 279 pages
Edition & Features
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Edition/Printing: Revised edition (originally 1924); reprinted December 1927 (later printing, per copyright page)
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Dust Jacket: Not provided
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: B&W photographs and line drawings/diagrams throughout
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Extras: Pictorial cloth boards with period artwork
Condition Grade: Good
Notes: General shelf wear and soiling to cloth; spine ends rubbed with light fray; corners softened; owner inscriptions on front endpapers (name/address & note); dog-eared pages at the back; pencil scribbles on rear book board; pages evenly toned but legible; binding sound for age.
See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Provenance & Notes
Penciled ownership to front endpapers (name/address “Three Rivers, Mich.”) and brief note; pencil scribbles present on rear board.
About the Author Educator M. V. O’Shea
Educator M. V. O’Shea wrote widely on pedagogy, while John Harvey Kellogg (Battle Creek Sanitarium) popularized diet and hygiene reform—together shaping early American health education.
Add a slice of public-health history to your shelf—great for scholars, teachers, and vintage decor.
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Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
About Reading Vintage
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.
