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coffee_reads's review
5.0
Truly a classic guide from a favorite novelist of mine. I have referenced this book countless times and I come away feeling empowered to do simple tasks with great care.
subgirl's review
5.0
Indispensable. My second copy, this time in softcover, for ease of reference and use.
glowbird's review
3.0
This is a nearly 900 page tome on keeping house. It’s like a stick of wet dynamite. The preface, in which the author explains why she’s in to house keeping, defies easy description. Every time she writes something that gets my back up, the next paragraph dips back to reasonable notions and pragmatism. This was written in 1999 and honestly, much of the information is easily available online today. She might have been an OG domestic blogging superstar on a slightly different timeline. I have no idea who needs this book currently.
cycato's review
5.0
What to know how to clean everything? What to feel incredibly bad about your housekeeping skills? This book is for you. A fabulous reference book for how to maintain a house, even if you don't actually do most of it and don't love bleach as much as the author. Still I find it very relaxing to read it and imagine I live in HER house :)
ailurophile_bibliophile89's review
5.0
5 Stars
Certainly, I did not read this full book, however I did read the first part on Food all the way through and skimmed the rest. More of a reference tome regarding home ownership, and why the habits and traditions of former generations developed, this book is a gem for any new homeowner (like myself) looking to set up a new house and want to know how to clean tile grout and wash their new curtains or learn about domestic employment laws (not that I would ever make enough to employ servants but that's another discussion all together.)
Not only that, but Cheryl Mendelson is witty:
I told him straight-out that the three-hole punch, a complete run of PC Magazine, and several collections of literary reviews did not belong in the kitchen cabinets over the sink and that I could not live with this. He shrugged, and so I married him.
No need to read from beginning to end, as there's an index in the back referencing everything, even how to clean root vegetables. A hidden jewel and a modern Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management, this book is perfect for anyone looking to know what types of carpet there are, home remedies for cleaning, or how to set a table for a formal dinner, an informal dinner, or even good ol' Sunday brunch.
Certainly, I did not read this full book, however I did read the first part on Food all the way through and skimmed the rest. More of a reference tome regarding home ownership, and why the habits and traditions of former generations developed, this book is a gem for any new homeowner (like myself) looking to set up a new house and want to know how to clean tile grout and wash their new curtains or learn about domestic employment laws (not that I would ever make enough to employ servants but that's another discussion all together.)
Not only that, but Cheryl Mendelson is witty:
I told him straight-out that the three-hole punch, a complete run of PC Magazine, and several collections of literary reviews did not belong in the kitchen cabinets over the sink and that I could not live with this. He shrugged, and so I married him.
No need to read from beginning to end, as there's an index in the back referencing everything, even how to clean root vegetables. A hidden jewel and a modern Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management, this book is perfect for anyone looking to know what types of carpet there are, home remedies for cleaning, or how to set a table for a formal dinner, an informal dinner, or even good ol' Sunday brunch.
mallorymontenegro's review
informative
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
I read this book cover to cover, although it’s probably better suited to use as reference material. Even as such, it was an enjoyable read. This book does exactly what it’s supposed to—provide all the information needed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable home. I especially appreciated the author’s use of fine detail, making it accessible to even the most inexperienced home keeper. She never took a patronizing or condescending tone in her writing and shared many personal anecdotes. As the title would suggest, she not only tells you how to live cleanly but also cozily. How to make your home warm and inviting beyond basic cleanliness.
That said, I don’t think this is the sort of material that most people would want to follow to the letter in their own home. It’s still good information to refer to, and perhaps even to inspire you to take your house keeping up a notch.
That said, I don’t think this is the sort of material that most people would want to follow to the letter in their own home. It’s still good information to refer to, and perhaps even to inspire you to take your house keeping up a notch.
darbyart's review
5.0
It is a book I have used countless of times. It has everything in it: How to do all basic sewing stitches. How to iron a dress shirt and how to fold sheets. How to make up a bed with hospital corners. How to choose proper sizes for sheets, tablecloths, and other household linens. How to set the table for informal and formal meals. Expert recommendations for safe food storage. The most exhaustive and reliable information on fabrics, textile fibers, and their laundering, and drying. A thorough explanation of care labels and why and how you should often (carefully) disregard them. Housekeeping guidelines for people with pets or with allergies. What to do about dust mites. How to clean and care for wood, china and crystal, jewelry, ceramic tile, metals, and more. Guides to stain and spot removal. It is a great book for anyone as it just a fantastic resource to have around the house!
**Just wanted to add this book is very detailed. How she does all she does to keep her house I am not sure. I don't use it as a "has to follow" type book. I use it for in the invaluable information and instruction it gives. It is a wonderful household reference.
**Just wanted to add this book is very detailed. How she does all she does to keep her house I am not sure. I don't use it as a "has to follow" type book. I use it for in the invaluable information and instruction it gives. It is a wonderful household reference.
zusy's review against another edition
3.0
This book has more detail than you ever wished to know about keeping a comfortable home.
foxmoon's review
5.0
A holy grail kind of book. The book that you keep going back to, referencing in conversation, and letting seep in to your being without really realizing it. I keep coming back to this and it's always welcoming. Everyone should have this book.