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A Word to the Wise: Traditional Advice and Old Country Ways
If you've ever wondered whether carrots improve your vision (they do) and why elephants have great memories, consult A Word to the Wise. You'll discover that it's never too late to learn from a proverb or an old wives' tale. This captivating book is a fascinating compilation of age-old expressions and customs, and its insights cover everything from health tips and kitchen tricks to gardening know-how and hints for predicting the weather.
Folklorist Ruth Binney explains the truth behind such traditions as polishing windows with newspaper and blowing out birthday candles in a single breath. She also discusses whether classic adages are still relevant or, like eating oysters only in "R" months, their truths have faded with the passage of time. This charmingly illustrated volume of enduring wisdom makes a splendid keepsake as well as a fine gift.
Folklorist Ruth Binney explains the truth behind such traditions as polishing windows with newspaper and blowing out birthday candles in a single breath. She also discusses whether classic adages are still relevant or, like eating oysters only in "R" months, their truths have faded with the passage of time. This charmingly illustrated volume of enduring wisdom makes a splendid keepsake as well as a fine gift.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published April 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
September 2, 2021
Subtitled "Traditional Advice and Old Country Ways", this book is a handy and thorough compendium of folk traditions and how-to's.
There is often a good and useful reason behind folk wisdom, but that knowledge is dying out. Author Binney helps the modern reader to understand the why's and wherefores' of doing things the old timey way. I was very pleased to see bits of wisdom I remember from my Appalachian great grandmother.
Many; if not most, of the tips are thrifty and useful to the reader who wants to avoid chemicals when cleaning, or garden more effectively, or just learn about how people did things before there was a supermarket on every corner.
There is often a good and useful reason behind folk wisdom, but that knowledge is dying out. Author Binney helps the modern reader to understand the why's and wherefores' of doing things the old timey way. I was very pleased to see bits of wisdom I remember from my Appalachian great grandmother.
Many; if not most, of the tips are thrifty and useful to the reader who wants to avoid chemicals when cleaning, or garden more effectively, or just learn about how people did things before there was a supermarket on every corner.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review