Reciprocal Duties of Parents and Children

by Ann Taylor

Displaying her intellectual and literary abilities from a young age, 'Mrs Taylor of Ongar' (1757–1830) enjoyed writing all her life. She had eleven children, of whom six (four of them writers) survived to adulthood. Her published works began with advice books for her own daughters, produced when increasing deafness made ordinary conversation difficult for her. This book, published in 1818, follows her earlier works for young women with a guide to conduct and 'reciprocal duties' within the family. Stern warnings and cautionary tales are given to show the importance of duty to and respect for parents by children, but the parental duties of care in rearing and especially in education are emphasised. Early discipline, lovingly applied, is seen as the key to successful parenting, and its absence is deemed disastrous. Like Ann Taylor's Practical Hints to Young Females (also reissued in this series), the book offers fascinating insights into the middle-class ideal of domestic happiness.

190 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2014

About the author

Born in Islington in 1782, English poet and children's author Ann Taylor is best remembered as the elder sister of fellow poet, Jane Taylor, author of the famous song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. One of the Taylors of Ongar, a literary and artistic family of some note, she was the daughter of Isaac Taylor, a well-known engraver, and Mrs. Ann Martin Taylor, who published works offering moral and religious advice. Her brother Isaac Taylor, named for their father, was an engraver, a renowned theologian and inventor, and the author of a number of instructional books for children. Another brother, Jefferys Taylor, was also a published author.