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notasilkycat's review against another edition
3.0
It was a nice addition to my “How to be a Victorian” reading experience - quite interesting in a historical perspective but absolutely unnecessary really.
rubenstein's review against another edition
4.0
Such a neat, fascinating book. Originally published in the 1860s, this compilation of articles will tell you everything you need to know about running a household. From the going pay rate for butler and maids to how soon after a death condolences should be offered. You'll learn how to carve a variety of meat. There's an entire section on babies and first aid. It ends with legal matters (for the men, obvs!)
lileuw's review against another edition
3.0
You get tips and tricks about all things in life, from taking care of clothes to making soup. I didn’t really like the book, it wasn’t written very well and most of the things seemed to me, well, common sense. I don’t know what I expected from this book, but most of it just seems lacking. Maybe it’s also because the author doesn’t really know what she’s talking about (she actually never did any of these things she had people who did it for her, she's an interesting lady!)
101mystic's review against another edition
4.0
Read this while desperately sick with a cold. Almost tempted to use the "cold cure" listed at the back. However, if I can find people to eat it with me I will be making the Fig Pudding for Christmas.
I got it for researching the era and have spent a lot of time looking at words and usages that are unfamiliar to us now, which is deeply interesting. I also appreciated the information on the payment of servants and the various bits and bobs about the downstairs staff as well. At times the Victorian need to bring up God every other word gets annoying, also the areas that talk in ways that are straight up racist are hard to read but a good reminder of the times.
I got it for researching the era and have spent a lot of time looking at words and usages that are unfamiliar to us now, which is deeply interesting. I also appreciated the information on the payment of servants and the various bits and bobs about the downstairs staff as well. At times the Victorian need to bring up God every other word gets annoying, also the areas that talk in ways that are straight up racist are hard to read but a good reminder of the times.
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