Our Book of the Month for August involves a very different kind of adventure. Join reluctant nudist Mark Haskell Smith as he “drops trou” and goes Naked at Lunch.

Naked at Lunch by Mark Haskell Smith

How to begin?

Mark Haskell Smith uncovers – no. Lays bare? No? Exposes?

Mark Haskell Smith goes under-cover, uncovered, to uncover the naked truth of nudism.

Good, now all that is out of the way I can tell you why if you only read one book on non-sexual social nudism this year, Naked at Lunch should be it.

Smith tracks the history of this sub-culture from ancient Greece through to present day alpine hiking groups – via Victorian health movements and illicit romps through the countryside of Weimar Germany. But crucially he goes where other journalists wouldn’t dare to tread – either through embarrassment or fear of catching a cold. Yes, Mr Smith participates in the lifestyle – shedding his inhibitions along with his trousers to see what all the fuss is about, both for those who go without, and those who – like the city of San Francisco – would really rather they didn’t.

So, make room in your holiday bag for this fascinating and fun read – you won’t be needing all those clothes anyway.

Find out more about Naked at Lunch – Adventures of a Reluctant Nudist by Mark Haskell Smith