The Private World of Tasha Tudor

by Tasha Tudor, Barbara Werden (Designer), Richard Brown (Photographer)

Tasha Tudor has written and illustrated more than seventy-five beloved children's books since her first, Pumpkin Moonshine, in 1938. Now seventy-seven years old, she lives on a farm in southern Vermont, where she has recreated an early Victorian world. To capture this intimate portrait of Tasha Tudor, photographer Richard Brown followed her throughout a year on her farm. By interweaving Tudor's own words and more than 100 color photographs, Brown has evoked the essence of Tudor's uniquely appealing personality and way of life.

The inspiration for Tudor's art is evident in her delightful surroundings. Foremost is the magnificent garden she designed and rightfully calls "Paradise on earth." A lively menagerie is always underfoot, indoors and out, including her trademark corgies, the Nubian goats she milks twice a day, the one-eyed cat Minou, the chickens, fantail doves, and the cockatiels, canaries, exotic finches, and parrots that inhabit a virtual village of antique cages.

We watch Tudor at work in a corner of her winter kitchen, her "chipmunk's nest," on the delicate watercolors and drawings that illustrate the books and calendars that have charmed three generations. Examples of her work are scattered throughout the book, including many drawings from her sketchbook and vignettes never previously published. Her enchanting three-story dollhouse is featured in detail as are her handmade dolls and marionettes as well as the candlelit tree that is the centerpiece of Tasha Tudor's old-fashioned New England Christmas.

Born in 1914 into Boston society (she sat on Oliver Wendell Holmes's knee as a child; Mark Twain and Albert Einstein were also her parents' friends), Tudor felt from an early age that she had lived before, in the 1830s. She says, "Everything comes so easily to me from that period, of that time: threading a loom, growing flax, spinning, milking a cow."

Dressed in antique clothing, spinning and weaving her own linen, cooking on a woodstove with nineteenth-century utensils, Tudor inhabits a world that in all these evocative photographs speaks to all who long for a simpler existence in harmony with the seasonal rhythms of nature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Art, Gardening, Memoir, Biography Memoir, History

134 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 1992

About the author

Tasha Tudor was an American illustrator and author of children's books.

Reviews

[Negin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tasha Tudor lived a simple, country life on a farm in Vermont. When I say simple, I mean back to the 1800’s simple.



This book is a delightful collection of photos and illustrations. Some of her words are included, but not as many as I would have liked. There really isn’t that much to read.

I bought it used and the sellers included a few news clippings about her children and the fight over her estate after her death. What a nightmare.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“I always wanted to live in Vermont, and because I always get my own way, this is where I settled. The first thing I did was plant daffodils – over a thousand. The road was impassable, so I carried them in by backpack.”

“I enjoy solitude. It's probably selfish, but why bother about it. Life is much too important, as Oscar Wilde said, to be taken seriously. I feel so sorry for those mothers who are devastated by loneliness when their children fly the coop and don't want to live at home anymore. They feel lost, but look what exciting things can be done. Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish. And what a privilege to be alive. In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is. Supposing you only saw the stars once every year. Think what you would think. The wonder of it!”

“I enjoy doing housework, ironing, washing, cooking, dishwashing. Whenever I get one of those questionnaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It's an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren't stupid because you're a housewife. When you're stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare.”

“When I'm working in the barn or house I often think of all the errors I've made in my life. But then I quickly put that behind me and think of water lilies. They will always eradicate unpleasant thoughts. Or goslings are equally comforting in their own way.”

“You should see my corgis at sunset in the snow. It's their finest hour. About five o'clock they glow like copper. Then they come in and lie in front of the fire like a string of sausages.”

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of photographs of Tasha Tudors beautiful home and garden, her pets, dresses, and her illustrations. Tasha Tudor talks us through her life, her house and the seasons. I loved the description of the nativity scene or 'creche' as Tasha called it, she made one in the woods and candles lit the way, how magical! The dolls house is amazing, I loved reading about the doll's Christmas, something we always did, there's so much to look at in this book.

Read on open library

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gush, gush. I guess I've become one of those crazy fans of fill-in-the-blank-dead-author who thinks about attending conventions dedicated to them, or at least visiting their museum. Tudor's my kind of gal. The best part of this book (in comparison to its counterparts, Tasha Tudor's Garden, Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts, Forever Christmas, etc.) is that she wrote many parts of it, so you get her voice, not just someone's impression of her "Yankee practicality". What was most shocking to me was that she divorced at an early age and raised four children single-handedly with her books and art and described herself as a commercial artist. Let's sit down for that cup of camomile tea on the porch at dusk to listen to the birds' evening songs, Tasha, I think we'd have a lot to talk about...

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful companion book to read after Bethany Tudor's sweet biography of her mother, "Drawn from New England". (see my review at http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... ).
Photographs provide a beautiful view of those things Tasha loves and also gives more insight into Tasha Tudor as an artist.

Fascinatingly enough, Tasha creates art as she goes through her day! She does not have an artist's studio, she paints at a table in the corner of her kitchen. Everything she turns her hand to, she does as an artist does. Whether cooking or tending her animals or washing clothes, she does everything with deliberate loveliness.

The book is divided up into the 4 seasons of the year - spring, summer, autumn, winter, which allows you follow Tasha around her home and farm as she takes care of the work that each season provides. Again, I love her garden! The flowers are intoxicating and lush. You see pictures of Tasha painting, gathering firewood, milking her goat, sewing, and reading. My very favorite picture of her in this book is of Tasha standing in her kitchen drying dishes. The quote accompanying it is
"I enjoy doing housework, ironing, washing, cooking, dishwashing. Whenever I get one of those questionaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It's an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren't stupid because you're a housewife. When you're stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare."

I agree wholeheartedly with Tasha Tudor, and it is encouraging to find someone that says what I have long thought but not been able to articulate so aptly. I plan to get this book for my family. It is worth having, just as the habits of hard work and creating beautiful art is worthy of imitating.

[Brenda Cregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasha Tudor...doesn't that sound like the name of someone who would live life as if in the 1830's?
This sweet determined creative amazing lady has sucked the marrow out of the bones of life in the most unassuming quiet manner.
I used to imagine that when I was old, I would style my hair in two long salt and pepper braids and go into the desert and paint sun-bleached cow skulls and giant flowers in O'Keefe style.
After reading this simple book, I would much rather wear long antique skirts and petticoats, a shawl, and water-color flowers from my garden.
Since I cannot envision myself bent over a loom for hours at a time in my seventies, or sewing my own clothes ( my creations never work, since I am not patient enough)---I'll just keep this book beside my bedside for those days when my future as Georgia O'Keefe appears before me and I wish to hide within another time.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just fascinates me. Sometimes I dream of turning against the times and living like they did two hundred years ago, but Tasha Tudor has actually done it. This book is fairly informal, just like she were talking to you. I love the little quotes that pepper her conversation, and her strong, original opinions and common sense. The photos add so much to the book too, showing her in the beautiful setting she has created for herself.

Definitely recommended if you like her work or if you like homey, old-fashioned things.

[Danette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful books I have ever read. And the photography must be experienced.
Tasha dressed in her antiquated clothing, lived off the land, designed and tended gorgeous gardens,surrounded herself with her beloved animals and was content with herself and the world around her. Something to be aspired to. This remarkable woman wrote and illustrated more than 75 children's books.

A favorite quote from this book:
"Why do women want to dress like men when they're fortunate enough to be women? Why lose our femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get much more accomplished by being charming than we would by flaunting around in pants and smoking. I'm very fond of men. I think they're wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don't want to look like one."

Well said Tasha.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible not to adore Tasha. The photographs are SO cozy and beautiful and I ate them up, but Tasha's commentary throughout is wonderful. I laughed aloud often. She is very funny and eccentric and profound, and she really did manage to craft her dream life on a wing and a prayer, aka her illustrations. Adding her to my pantheon of heroines.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book!! Wonderful pictures! I wish it were longer! I was glued to this book, I just thought I would read a few pages before going to sleep, and I ended up reading the whole thing in an hour and a half. And I wish I knew about her when I was growing up, but I am glad I know about her now. I too have felt just like her, having a love for old fashioned things and feeling as if I might belong in the 1800s. This woman is inspiring and it makes me hope that someday I can be living like her too, something which I've always dreamed about when I was younger.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. It is mainly photographs with some writing by Tasha Tudor. I did not grow up knowing Tasha Tudor as a children’s book illustrator. I only recently was introduced to her and I find her fascinating. Her outlook on life and her way of living is incredibly old fashioned but so quaint. She even says in the book that she realizes that people look at her through rose-colored glasses but she’s only human. I definitely have an idealized version of her and can’t wait to read some of her stories.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her garden. Her drawings and paintings. Her approach to life is refreshing and wonderful! I loved reading this book today as we were cozy in the house while a blizzard was blowing its best. A cup of tea and dreams of a garden like hers made reading her book a complete pleasure. I love how simplistic her life is yet how rewarding and happy she is with it. A lot of CM lifestyle philosophy there too. It makes me think of when she was featured in Victoria magazine.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a window into the life of author and illustrator Tasha Tudor. She lived a simple, hardworking life on her beautiful farm in Vermont, and her own words illustrate these lovely photographs. Despite all this beauty, I notice a rather self-centered and godless worldview. It's a strange combination, but there is still much to enjoy here.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comfort food in book form. So lovely!

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be one of my most favorite books of all time, it’s enchanting, enduring, inspiring and delightful. Tasha really does create a magical world of her own and this book which is divided up by seasons let’s you get a peak into her whimsical life. As an artist at heart, I really yearn for a more artist life similar to the one Tasha lives. Dressing feminine, making her own clothes, growing her own food, milking her own goats. And all of it with an attitude of loving real hard work that’s purposeful. I’m so inspired by this book, I may need to buy it and read it once a year!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely peek into her life. I enjoyed the photos.

[Poiema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a rush of memories after reading about Tasha Tudor's death last week, and I headed to the bookshelf to pull out my well-worn copy of this book to reminisce. It was the ONLY book that engaged my daughter Joy when she was a toddler. Her older siblings sat in my lap by the hour as we read book after book. Not Joy. She displayed an independent spirit from the first and would grab the book out of my hand while announcing, "I read it MYSELF!" Then she would run to a quiet corner somewhere and jabber while turning the pages.

I was concerned. Reading is what I do and I wanted to do it together. Perhaps I wanted it too much, because nothing could entice her to sit on my lap for a book.

Enter Tasha Tudor. My Mom gave me a copy of Tasha Tudor's Private Word, a glossy coffee table type of book with gorgeous photographs. Joy was mesmerized. We bleated with the goat, used our fingers to stir Tasha Tudor's soup pot, petted the kitty, and said rhymes about the full moon pictured in the book. We did this SO MANY TIMES that even today when I turn the pages I walk my fingers up Tasha Tudor's snow-covered steps and count as I go. It is an ingrained response.


I asked Joy if she remembered this book? Yes, she remembered. This said with a coy little smile. She still is and always will be "Miss Independence", but I am thankful that this one book is a shared memory for the two of us.

Thanks, Mom!

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasha Tudor is an author/illustrator of many children's books, but I think she is best known for living in an early 1800s style. This book lets you look at the seasons through this amazing woman's life. The pictures are amazing, but the descriptions are helpful and insightful as well. If you have ever been interested in the "long ago" this book is for you. The beauty of this woman's life makes us all ready to forsake all modern "conveniences" and go live with her.

[Alana/MiaTheReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in an hour on a Sunday afternoon, and truly enjoyed every word about the life Tasha Tudor has made for herself. The photos were fascinating, but it was really the combination of direct quotes from her about life that made it a delight. I wouldn't say I see the world through quite the same lens that Tasha Tudor does, but I enjoyed this glimpse into her life just the same, and gleaned some practical wisdom along the way.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the best of the Tudor bios, with some of the most engaging photographs.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: 3.5

This isn't what I was expecting. There's nothing very substantial. It's a picture story of her way of life, so I guess it is her 'private world.' We see views of her yard and her animals, of her house and some of her belongings, and it all is rather like a living-history museum (which I expected).

Her story begins ...
I always wanted to live in Vermont, and because I always get my own way, this is where I settled.

She was a collector of vintage clothing, which she actually wore (and she sewed her own dresses using patterns that she made from the older dresses). The photos show not only TT in period dress, but also a couple of young girls who were hired models. That struck me as odd. There is minimal mention of her own four children (adults), which I attributed to their desire for privacy. Half way through the book, I turned to the Internet for info about her family. There I learned that in her later years, she was estranged from three of her four kids, and I think part of the reason was her chosen lifestyle. The 'kids' didn't want to be part of a museum; they wanted to live in the 'real world.'

Ultimately, I think this is a book showing a life style that Ms Tudor loved, and I bet that by sharing it she hoped that others would follow her example. I did enjoy the book, and to some extent I would appreciate that lifestyle.

Layout design: The pictures are not captioned. Some of them are obvious (fall leaves); some are explained in the text; but annotations are on the last two pages of the book. Here's where the reader has to look for explanatory info about the photos (e.g., when a doll was made, which book an illustration is from ...). The constant flipping to the back is irritating. The annotations are brief and should have been used as captions.

[April Thrush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day! There is something about Tasha Tudor that really draws me in about her, and I think it is her connection she feels to the past. Since I was a teenager I remember I started collecting antiques and had a fascination with the past that I did not see reflected in others to the same degree. I also appreciate her unashamedly being herself even when she was ridiculed for it, preferring to wear clothing from a different era. There is something anachronistic I find in myself similar to how Tasha Tudor did…almost as if I were made to be in a different era. I don’t know what to do with the idea though that she basically concocted a fantasy world for herself and decided to reject living in the present. She is a fascinating person that greatly piques my curiosity.

[Torrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I can officially see why she totally has a cult following. This will be one of those books that you either get why people are so fascinated by her and love these old books, or you won't. I read the one all about her gardens last year and loved it, and so I bought myself a copy of that one and this one so I can pick them up and skim through whenever I need something cozy and bite-size.

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an admirable woman. I am betting that she had a very peaceful life, full and busy but peaceful. She once stated that we would all be better off if we would just sit on the porch watching a sunset and sipping chamomile tea. A woman after my own heart.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites, because I love the simplicity of Tudor's life and her honest, humble words. However, I wish the book was longer... or maybe had some commentary... or more pictures. I love Tasha Tudor but wish the book had more to it.

[Jessie Bench · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming book. I loved learning about Tasha Tudor and the pictures in the book are lovely.

[Jean Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book.

[Sarah Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know that it changed my life, but I’ve never been more delighted or felt cozier.

[sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tasha Tudor and i’m so glad that I finally came across this book. She’s everything I strive to be. She had the vision.

“He who plants pears, plants for his heirs”

[Mingu · Rating 3 out of 5]

동화 작가이자 삽화가인 타샤 튜더의 에세이. 버몬트 주 시골에 직접 지은 집에서 염소, 닭, 고양이, 개와 함께 살며 정원을 가꾸는 삶에 대해 이야기 한다. 그녀가 그린 삽화와 19세기 풍의 엔틱 드레스를 입고 있는 모습, 직접 만든 인형들과 아름다운 정원 사진들이 함께 소개 된다. 각종 꽃들이 만발한 멋진 정원, 집에서 키운 야채와 과일, 직접 짜낸 염소젖으로 만든 치즈와 요거트로 만든 음식들, 그림들과 옷까지 부지런한 살림꾼인 그녀의 손이 닿은 않은 것이 없다.

이혼 후 40년 이상 인간 사회와 외따로 떨어진 시골 집에서 혼자 살아온 이 할머니는 이런 삶이 더이상 만족스러울 수 없다며 이렇게 말하였다. '위선자가 되어 마음에 없는 하얀 거짓말을 해 가며 내 마음을 괴롭힐 필요가 없다. 인생은 중요한 것이니까'. 신나는 것만 해도 시간이 부족하고 그녀에게 신나는 일은 자연 속에서 자연과 함께 더불어 사는 것이었다. 그러나 나는 이렇게나 행복하다는 그녀의 마음 속 언저리에 자리 잡은 어떤 지독한 고독을 엿본다. 키우고 있는 동물들에게 하고 싶은 말을 실컷해도 뒷말이 걱정이 없다는 말 속에서, 정원 가꾸기는 고강도의 노동이라 우울할 틈을 느낄 새가 없다는 말 속에서, 어릴 때 그녀의 집에 드나들던 명사들의 이름을 나열하는 문장속에서.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs, precious words from Tudor, and sweet illustrations. She loves corgis and old ways of life so we're basically soulmates.

"Nowadays, people are so jeezled up. If they took some chamomile tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening listening to the liquid song of the hermit thrush, they might enjoy life more."