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The Pocket Enquire Within: A Guide to the Niceties and Necessities of Victorian Domestic Life
A fascinating collection of Victorian domestic wisdom, from recipes for home remedies to rules for good party etiquette. For advice on all aspects of life and a glimpse into the minds of generations past, enquire within
What is the correct way to carve a partride? How should leeches be applied? How can egg whites be used to repair broken china? When it was first published in 1856, Enquire Within was an indispensable guide to Victorian domestic life, packed with words of wisdom and advice on everything from entertaining and etiquette to household management, taking in how singing can prevent consumption, how to care for one's hat by beating it with a cane, and, of course, why chess should be avoided at a ball. Now, this new, charmingly illustrated pocket-sized edition contains a selection of hints and tips that not only provide a fascinating insight into the day-to-day of Victorian Britain, but also, in places, reveal timeless wisdom that we would do well to heed today, such as making your home companionable by always welcoming guests with a clear introduction and a smile.
What is the correct way to carve a partride? How should leeches be applied? How can egg whites be used to repair broken china? When it was first published in 1856, Enquire Within was an indispensable guide to Victorian domestic life, packed with words of wisdom and advice on everything from entertaining and etiquette to household management, taking in how singing can prevent consumption, how to care for one's hat by beating it with a cane, and, of course, why chess should be avoided at a ball. Now, this new, charmingly illustrated pocket-sized edition contains a selection of hints and tips that not only provide a fascinating insight into the day-to-day of Victorian Britain, but also, in places, reveal timeless wisdom that we would do well to heed today, such as making your home companionable by always welcoming guests with a clear introduction and a smile.
- GenresNonfiction
214 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
About the author
George Armstrong
2 booksBorn in Lincolnshire, George Armstrong moved with his family to Dulwich, where he went to school. He has an MA in English Literature from Cambridge University and has worked in film and publishing. He is married with two children and lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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September 2, 2020
Purchase The Pocket Enquire Within here for just $10!
This would make a great gift for a friend or family member who's into all things Victorian - that is, if you can part with it yourself! You might find it hard to do that, because it's packed with great insights into Victorian domestic life. It's been described as "the Victorian equivalent of the Internet", which is a great way to think of it: a collection of information, handy hints and tips all in one place.
Paul - The Book Grocer
This would make a great gift for a friend or family member who's into all things Victorian - that is, if you can part with it yourself! You might find it hard to do that, because it's packed with great insights into Victorian domestic life. It's been described as "the Victorian equivalent of the Internet", which is a great way to think of it: a collection of information, handy hints and tips all in one place.
Paul - The Book Grocer
July 20, 2015
Really good idea, I have read a lot of old cookbooks but nothing that gives such an interesting insight into typical middle-class Victorian Life. You can see transitions within family life - when people started to treat children as important family members etc. Really enjoyed it and some of the things In it are still relevant today. Such as herbal remedies, not so much calf heads soup though..
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews