We all wear underwear – even famous people like Buzz Aldrin, Queen Victoria, and Satchel Paige. Through the ages, plenty of these figures have made history. Sometimes their underwear did, too (even if they might have tried to hide it). From Abe Lincoln’s embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions to Amelia Bloomer’s eponymous undies to Otzi the Iceman’s 5300-year-old skivvies, I See Lincoln’s Underpants opens the top drawers of some of history’s most interesting people for more than just a peek.

In addition to Short Shorts and the Underwear Hall of Fame, sixteen biographical chapters highlight the lives and most interesting moments of people like “Australian Mermaid” Annette Kellermann, silent film star Buster Keaton, and inventor Garrett Morgan. If you take away nothing else, let it be this: Always leave the house in a fresh pair. You never know what could happen.

Available in Book and ebook form from:

Audiobook available from:

Listeners of The Past and The Curious will recognize many of these stories from The Underwear Chronicles, which are special podcast episodes we decided to release when it looked like the book wouldn’t get released. BUT THINGS HAVE CHANGED! We can’t wait to share the expanded book with you. In addition to the biographical chapters, there are lots of extras, including ”short shorts” and entries into the Underwear Hall of Fame detailing the history of particular pieces of underclothing. With these brief entires, you’ll be delighted to learn more about underwear-filled Olympic torches, Edison’s mythical ”Flying Underwear,” and the histories of everything from hairshirts to “tighty-whiteys.”

Each chapter is rich with black and white illustrations from the masterful mind of artist Suki Anderson. 

Who is it For?

Well, underwear is for everyone, and so is this book. Just like our trusted and beloved podcast, I See Lincoln’s Underwear is written for a middle grade audience, but will be enjoyed by kids, younger and older (and adults too).Each chapter biography is around 2200 words in length, and the short shorts and Underwear Hall of Fame sections are bite-sized to break up the chapters. In each, there is a focus on historical context, societal issues, and big moments.As with the podcast, the history in this book is important, interesting, honest, fair, and thoughtfully told. And of course, there is plenty of The Past and The Curious humor you will be expecting. We’re certain grown-ups will enjoy it as much as any history-curious kids. 

HOOORAY FOR UNDERWEAR!