Monday, October 16, 2006

Vintage homemaking and needlework books

There's something delightful about the confidence of these, that all necessary knowledge can be gathered between stout covers by ladies with capable names like Beryl, and even the odd Lady this or that, and made available at modest but not insignificant cost to those wishing to do things as they ought to be done, with propriety, skill and orderliness.

And this style of book is far from dead - there are always new versions. Shannon Lush has had a huge hit with Spotless, published by ABC Books - there's still a hunger out there for old fashioned stain removal (and I believe she's doing one on other housekeeping matters). In fifty years' time (if not less), Spotless will be on shelves like these.

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