How to Be a Good Husband

by Bodleian Library (Editor)

 The art of being a good husband is not an easy one. This little guide was written for the middle classes of the 1930s who were reading one of the first modern self-help books. Illustrated with contemporary line-drawings, it contains advice by turns delightfully arcane and timelessly true, for example: Don't squeeze the tube of toothpaste from the top instead of from the bottom. This is one of the small things of life that always irritates a careful wife. Don't think that your wife has placed waste-paper baskets in the rooms as ornaments. Don't tell your wife terminological inexactitudes, which are, in plain English, lies. A woman has wonderful intuition for spotting even minor departures from the truth. Do cultivate the habit of coming down to breakfast with a smile. Remember that as the head of the house, it is your duty to see that everyone starts the day in an atmosphere of happiness. Don't criticise the food at your own table when you are entertaining and especially refrain from doing so before the servants.

Genres: Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2008

About the author

The Bodleian Library, established in 1602, is the main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. In Britain it is second in size only to the British Library.

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Reviews

[Klinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen many people say that this book is terrible and shows female as smaller, less important in relationships, but honestly, what else would you expect from a book that was written in 1936? For me, who sometimes feels like feminism is fighting for issues I don't care about (but I understand that for some it's very important), this book was quite entertaining and a bit cute.

While reading it (and you can read it in an hour), I felt like there were things to chuckle about and there were things that shook me to the core and made me realise: "Oh, my... this is so true!" This book pretty much assumes that all wives are stay-at-home and they care for home, food and their family. The book explains how to show respect, love and support to wife, how to encourage her to educate herself, rest and how to show appreciation, both with small gifts and words.

Although maybe I wouldn't take all of the things word by word as 'all the men should do this', but there's a fair share of truth and I generally enjoyed it.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know why I read this. I intended to read a few pages but then I just kept going with it.

I now know how to be a perfect husband in the 1930s. Life goal achieved.

[Henri Kohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a nice insight in the 1930s married life. The do's and don't for a gentlemen...

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly old-fashioned tips, you will most likely find some tips that wont apply for you but nonetheless a cool book with statements of what not to do and what to do regarding your choices you make and actions while living a married life

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read and a glimpse into a 1930's mindset. Some of the advice is still worthwhile, however some of it hasn't aged well. At points I found myself chuckling, as I imagined how my fianceé would react if I started applying some of the outdated thinking.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escrito en 1936
Un poco fuera de epoca, pero con muchos consejos que se pueden aplicar en cualquier epoca.

[Evelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book 😊 outdated at times but worth the read 👌

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s what I expected for a book written in 1936, although it does remind you of the basics needed to be a good husband and all around decent gentleman.

[Brian Zitzow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy the entertaining look into the 1930s social advice in this book. Some good tips and some hilarious things that didn't age well.

[Joel Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a few one-liners of wisdom in this book that I jotted down, still check in on, and enjoy. Some of it might be a bit dated, but I was smiling most of the time. Felt like I was reading advice from my grandpas.

[Rachel England-Brassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most amusing :)

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sound advice in the most part, although many of the circumstances are now far outdated; could do with a revision.

[Terry Madeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very polite and courteous set of instructions and pointers.

[Artem Huletski · Rating 3 out of 5]

"it is better to neglect the whole world than your wife"