Thomas Webster
(1773-1844)
; Mrs. Parkes, D. Meredith Reese, A.M., M.D.,
An
Encyclopedia of Domestic Economy
New York:
Harper and Brothers,
1845.
1238 p.
An earlier example of domestic economy guides (1845), Thomas Webster's "Encyclopedia of Domestic Economy" was a rather thick volume containing all the information a lady would need to run a self-sufficient home. Webster's other literary contributions also include works on art and science.
Mrs. Lydia Green Abell
The
Skillful Housewife’s Book: or Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort and Economy
New York:
R. T. Young,
1853.
216 p.
Though both gave valuable advice, this contribution of Lydia Abell gave more practical household hints and recipes than her "Woman in Her Various Relations" did.
Mrs. Lydia Green Abell
Woman in her various relations; containing practical rules for American females
New York:
R.T. Young,
1853.
319 p.
This social guide by Lydia Abell proclaims that "Few realize how much skill, tact, good sense, and actual effort, is required in the ordering and rightly sustaining all the parts and daily routine of domestic duties". Chapter titles include "Conducting and Serving the Dinner", "Parenting" and "Choice of Husband, Requisites of Character".
Catharine Beecher
(1800-1878)
Miss Beecher's domestic receipt-book: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy
New York:
Harper and Brothers, Publishers,
1865.
306 p.
Considered an authority on domestic science, Catharine Beecher authored and co-authored many women's books. Originally published in 1846, this book aspired to help women perfect their roles as wives and mothers, roles Beecher previously detailed in "A Treatise on Domestic Economy".
John Henry Walsh
(1810-1888)
A
Manual of Domestic Economy
London and New York:
G. Routledge,
1874.
776 p.
Though designed for British families spending £150-£1500 a year, this weighty volume was also available in the United States.
Mrs. E. Stevens Tilton
Home Dissertations
Baltimore:
Hopper, McGaw & Co.,
1890.
174 p.
This work was intended to "embody every want, solve every dilemma and gratify every wish of the good Housekeeper". It is also chock-full of contemporary advertisements for local vendors and services.
The
Woman's Book, Volume II
New York:
C. Scribner's Sons,
1894.
2 vols.
Scribner's compiled "The Woman's Book" in 1894 and included in it some of the most up-to-date fashions in home accessories, clothing and architecture as well as sections on "Women in their business affairs".
The
Woman's Book, Volume I
New York:
C. Scribner's Sons,
1894.
2 vols.
Scribner's compiled "The Woman's Book" in 1894 and included in it some of the most up-to-date fashions in home accessories, clothing and architecture as well as sections on "Women in their business affairs".
Lyman Abbott
(1835-1922)
The
House and Home: a practical book. Volume I
New York:
Scribner's,
1896.
2 vols.
"The House and Home: a practical book" was published by Scribner's shortly after "The Woman's Book" and contains much of the same information and images. While sporting a gender-neutral title, it begins with a look at female professionals and even discusses the revolutionary roles of women physicians and lawyers. Of course, it also contains the customary recipes, child rearing theorems and sewing patterns as well.
Lyman Abbott
(1835-1922)
The
House and Home: a practical book. Volume II
New York:
Scribner's,
1896.
2 vols.
"The House and Home: a practical book" was published by Scribner's shortly after "The Woman's Book" and contains much of the same information and images. While sporting a gender-neutral title, it begins with a look at female professionals and even discusses the revolutionary roles of women physicians and lawyers. Of course, it also contains the customary recipes, child rearing theorems and sewing patterns as well.
