Things a Woman Wants to Know: with an illustrated section on the folding of serviettes

by Isobel of Home Notes

This book of handy hints for the new housewife was first published in the Edwardian era, and includes recipes, medical advice, fashion tips and the dangers that can lurk in the home (e.g. the unhealthiness of carpets and the poisonous colors of wallpaper). In this new edition, the most unusual entertaining pieces of advice have been collected together along with the charming contemporary advertisement and a fascinating section about folding serviettes.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Perhaps a few useful tips but mostly outdated, of course, which I'm thankful for! Some are surprising or humorous. All in all, I enjoy reading about how it used to be. The serviette folding would be fun to try!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny historical methods of cleaning, cooking, manners, health and beauty. No PC here! I read passages to my kids, and they thought it was funny.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of helpful hints and tips gathered from publications printed between 1890 and 1920. It contains similar tips to those you would find in an original Mrs Beeton or other household manual of the period. You will find assorted recipes for food and cleaning products, tips on child rearing, making simple toys, cleaning and general care of the home and family. Some of these are genuinely useful while others are simply hilarious from a modern perspective. It seems that a large number of the homemade beauty aids of the period would have contained cocaine, for example, everything from face powder to tooth whitening cream seems to call for a little of the stuff. Edwardian ladies must have been high as kites most of the time if these are to be believed. It is a very well presented and interesting little book to sit alongside your Mrs Beeton and Household Hints.

[Liselotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now, I love history. I also have a sense of humour (believe it or not!) and Old House Books are right up my alley. They publish books that were legit books in times gone by. Things a Woman wants to Know is a book for women during the Edwardian period. It covers everything from housekeeping to appearances, this book as it all.
It’s not a story book, but just a book with tips. It’s set up in five chapters, which are also divided.
The chapters are:

Keeping up appearances
Medical matters
In the nursery
The kitchen
Happy housekeeping
Basically everything an Edwardian housewife would want to know!
It’s a very amusing read and shows how much life has changed and at the same time so little.

If you enjoy the Edwardian period and want to know a little more about normal house life in that era, I definitely recommend this book!

[Jean Doane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun reading all the recipes and remedies a woman would want to know in the early 20th century. It was interesting to see the odd items and ingredients available for household use then, including cocaine and opium. Reading this. book have me cause to ponder which of the things we accept as true will be seen as quaint or silly some years from now.

[Dorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read and a few tips I might actually try. Reading what women went through to keep their homes clean, families feed and personal hygiene make me thankful for today's products and conveniences.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, interesting, and just a little bit scary. Almost tempted to try some of these great suggestions for recipes, remedies, and household hints.

[Laura Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have an earache? Stick a hot onion in your ear! How to clean ostrich feathers. Fun little book.

[Courtney Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather hilarious, if not mildly disturbing look at how women were supposed to be/act between 1890-1920. Had me laughing the whole way through.