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Как приготовить кролика, спасти душу и найти любовника
Заметки викторианской леди расскажут обо всем понемногу: о готовке, о врачевании, о религии и о любви. Остроумные советы, оставленные автором, отражают ее взгляд на жизнь и смерть, на повседневную рутину и на вечность. Здесь можно найти как хороший практический совет, так и что-нибудь для души. Книга отражает мировоззрение женщины XIX века, оставаясь во многих вещах актуальной и для наших дней.
205 pages, ebook
First published October 9, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 23, 2021
Contrary to the book cover, this isn’t a guide with Victorian advice. Elspeth Marr had her own unique viewpoints, and many of her opinions are not representative of Victorian society or any society. She was definitely her own person. As this collection of paragraphs comes from across her lifetime, it’s difficult to say how much of it was even written in the Victorian period. Most of her references that can be dated put her writing in the last decade of her life. (She died in 1947.) She comes off as one of those people who has big opinions based on little information, especially when it comes to science and religion. She often ridicules scientists or clergy for being wrong, and then presents a very off-base take on “the truth.” (Example: People need to stop being silly and listen to real scientists. Now let me tell you how to deal with ghosts in your house.) The book is kind of like reading an early twentieth century version of your odd uncle’s Twitter feed.
This is a useful book if you’re interested specifically in Elspeth Marr, as her great-nephew the editor obviously and understandably is, since she’s part of his personal family history. As a book for learning more about the Victorian period, or getting an insight into the mindset of even Edwardian or Interwar women, this book isn’t very helpful. A more accurate cover and blurb would have been good.
This is a useful book if you’re interested specifically in Elspeth Marr, as her great-nephew the editor obviously and understandably is, since she’s part of his personal family history. As a book for learning more about the Victorian period, or getting an insight into the mindset of even Edwardian or Interwar women, this book isn’t very helpful. A more accurate cover and blurb would have been good.
January 5, 2021
Разумеется, даже не обратила бы внимания на книгу (да еще и с такой обложкой), если бы не рекомендация Анастасии Завозовой. В итоге прохихикала полдня и заскринила кучу прекрасного. Бабуля Элспет была просто огонь и какое же это удовольствие следить за ходом ее мыслей - никогда не знаешь, чем закончится глава. Не поверите, но в книге есть даже кое-что про британских ученых, примерно в том же ключе, как мы говорим о них сейчас))
Для меня лично было многовато рецептов заваривания трав и прикладывания их к разным местам. Я бы почитала побольше размышлений о жизни.
Для меня лично было многовато рецептов заваривания трав и прикладывания их к разным местам. Я бы почитала побольше размышлений о жизни.
January 8, 2021
Всё по полочкам))
January 26, 2011
I'm deeply skeptical about this, and I can't articulate precisely why. Not because I disbelieve that a Victorian could hold these opinions, certainly not. But there's something... I don't know, precious, something that smacks of patting old ladies on the head here. "Look how cute my old auntie was, so modern talking about sex and wine!" Meh.
The whole book made me roll my eyes. I want more back story, more information about Elspeth, more context. More than darling little opinions on how shoving a hot leek up someone's butt works as a last-ditch cure for hemorrhoids.
Again, I have no idea why this book excited my inner cynic, but it surely did. It may well be every bit as charming as the rest of the Goodreads community found it, and the fault mine.
The whole book made me roll my eyes. I want more back story, more information about Elspeth, more context. More than darling little opinions on how shoving a hot leek up someone's butt works as a last-ditch cure for hemorrhoids.
Again, I have no idea why this book excited my inner cynic, but it surely did. It may well be every bit as charming as the rest of the Goodreads community found it, and the fault mine.
August 22, 2021
Это было интересно, ужасно противоречиво и оживляюще для воображения (если можно так выразиться). И да, британский рецепт селедки под шубой меня потряс - последнюю скрепу выбили из-под ног, мой мир не будет прежним))
February 4, 2021
Записи от английской леди на все случаи жизни. Некоторые мысли очень умны и прогрессивны, рецепты и советы от "бледной немочи" явно устарели. Удивило, что есть рецепт нашей "селедки под шубой".
April 20, 2011
In ordine alfabetico
Questa raccolta di pensieri di una "lady vittoriana", come recita la copertina, procede in ordine alfabetico, partendo da Abbigliamento e finendo con Zuppa di pesce.
Così, a titolo di esempio, ad Abbigliamento seguono:
B come Baci (dopo aver mangiato aglio);
C come Calli;
D come Diarrea;
E come Emorroidi;
F come Flatulenza;
G come Ginocchio della cameriera;
e così via.
Vi pare una lettura interessante?
No, neanche a me.
Perciò arrivata - per tigna - a pagina 145 di 183, questo libro lo considero finito: la tigna mi deriva dal fatto che, lette le note pubblicate da altri lettori di aNobii, ho creduto davvero di trovare in questa furba pubblicazione qualche perla di saggezza.
Purtroppo, le perle di saggezza - belle peraltro - erano quelle e solo quelle già citate nelle proprie note dai selettivi lettori anobiani che mi hanno preceduto nell'approccio alle fatiche "letterarie" della zia Epp.
Tuttavia, cinque pagine su 183 mi pare una media un po' troppo bassa per un libro che si è pappato € 16,50 dei miei.
Dunque, potrei concludere così:
N come Note pubblicate dai recensori di aNobii, Leggetevi le e
S come Sparagnatevi € 16,50 dei vostri.
P.S. sentite cosa scrive zia Epp di Jane Austen:"Miss Austen è del tutto priva di immaginazione, scrive con la testa, non con l'anima, e sa raccontare solo la routine relativamente indisturbata della sua famiglia".
Ma secondo voi? Mi poteva mai piacere, a me, la zia Epp?
E lo so, ho buttato € 16,50 dei miei, lo so.
Questa raccolta di pensieri di una "lady vittoriana", come recita la copertina, procede in ordine alfabetico, partendo da Abbigliamento e finendo con Zuppa di pesce.
Così, a titolo di esempio, ad Abbigliamento seguono:
B come Baci (dopo aver mangiato aglio);
C come Calli;
D come Diarrea;
E come Emorroidi;
F come Flatulenza;
G come Ginocchio della cameriera;
e così via.
Vi pare una lettura interessante?
No, neanche a me.
Perciò arrivata - per tigna - a pagina 145 di 183, questo libro lo considero finito: la tigna mi deriva dal fatto che, lette le note pubblicate da altri lettori di aNobii, ho creduto davvero di trovare in questa furba pubblicazione qualche perla di saggezza.
Purtroppo, le perle di saggezza - belle peraltro - erano quelle e solo quelle già citate nelle proprie note dai selettivi lettori anobiani che mi hanno preceduto nell'approccio alle fatiche "letterarie" della zia Epp.
Tuttavia, cinque pagine su 183 mi pare una media un po' troppo bassa per un libro che si è pappato € 16,50 dei miei.
Dunque, potrei concludere così:
N come Note pubblicate dai recensori di aNobii, Leggetevi le e
S come Sparagnatevi € 16,50 dei vostri.
P.S. sentite cosa scrive zia Epp di Jane Austen:"Miss Austen è del tutto priva di immaginazione, scrive con la testa, non con l'anima, e sa raccontare solo la routine relativamente indisturbata della sua famiglia".
Ma secondo voi? Mi poteva mai piacere, a me, la zia Epp?
E lo so, ho buttato € 16,50 dei miei, lo so.
November 27, 2017
I gave this one up shortly into it. For one thing, the anecdotes in it really aren't that funny. The nephew says in his forward that not all the stories are even hers. The hyped up description is misleading. Methinks letters "adapted from sources" equals an editor who made stuff up.
Secondly the format is very dictionary and impersonal. I would have so much rather read these bit of her letters in the context of a whole letter. I can imagine it would have opened her up as a character and would have made her quirkinesses much funnier.
Secondly the format is very dictionary and impersonal. I would have so much rather read these bit of her letters in the context of a whole letter. I can imagine it would have opened her up as a character and would have made her quirkinesses much funnier.
April 18, 2011
What a strange collection of advice. Everything from how to use your boobs to their advantage to how to avoid a ghost in a mirror. I appreciated the book in its context (coming from a women in the 19th century) but I wanted to have more background information on the women writing the advice. Who was she? Were these unique thoughts for her day? Where did she learn this information? Why should I care?
July 26, 2012
An absolutely wonderful little book. Some of the entries make me suspect that it is not all as 'period' as it might be and then others display that beautiful Victorian/Edwardian insanity that can come from nowhere else. Heartily recommended as a good giggle and an insight in to the mind of this truly astounding lady.
March 21, 2021
Местами остроумный, но в целом довольно незатейливый бабушкин дневник (либо его литературная мистификация), прошитый бытовыми афоризмами типа "дурной запах изо рта - самое эффективное противозачаточное средство" или "разум и кишечник всегда должны быть открытыми". Гренки, грелки и голландские любовники в вихре мыслей сменяют друг друга, статья об Остин соседствует с текстом о диарее, размышления о великой любви предвосхищают советы о противостоянии венерическим болезням, а народные средства против воспаления сосков предшествуют замечанию о сотворении мира.
Впрочем, пара любопытных рецептов и несколько по-настоящему хороших шуток вам все же гарантированы.
Впрочем, пара любопытных рецептов и несколько по-настоящему хороших шуток вам все же гарантированы.
March 17, 2021
A quick and easy (and sassy) read. I borrowed this from the library and enjoyed it so much I plan on purchasing my own copy at my local bookstore.
Lots of amusing and interesting advice, some very closely related to the period in which it was written, some just as relevant today as it was back then (maybe even more so). I envision having this book sitting on my desk and popping it open a few times a week for a quick moment of wisdom (and a giggle to go along with it).
Lots of amusing and interesting advice, some very closely related to the period in which it was written, some just as relevant today as it was back then (maybe even more so). I envision having this book sitting on my desk and popping it open a few times a week for a quick moment of wisdom (and a giggle to go along with it).
December 31, 2020
Somewhat of a nice read. Too many medical and culinary notes(for my taste), but some of them include good sarcastic remarks. So dont skip them fully, skim and you'll see the reward. Reading it in the era of the rising feminism can't help but notice how the author is both feminist and misogynist. Overall with skimming worth the read.
December 4, 2024
Somewhat of a nice read. Too many medical and culinary notes(for my taste), but some of them include good sarcastic remarks. So dont skip them fully, skim and you'll see the reward. Reading it in the era of the rising feminism can't help but notice how the author is both feminist and misogynist. Overall with skimming worth the read.
November 6, 2017
An entertaining read.
September 27, 2020
Fascinating musing on a variety of subjects from an intelligent and passionate author. Includes recipes for sturdy dishes along with spiritual musings. Utterly charming.
February 2, 2021
Потрясающе остроумно и иронично. Отличная книга для вечера, подняла настроение! Интересная структура книги, можно отвлекаться и возвращаться в любой момент к ней.
March 12, 2016
"Engaging, frank and utterly delightful -- the irresistible compilation of one forthright Victorian lady's opinions and sage advice on every conceivable subject.
"Adultery, bunions, evolution, and garlic: these are just a few of the toics that Christopher Rush's great-great aunt Elspeth Marr expounded upon in a series of lifelong musings that were shockingly frank and progressive for her time.
"Born in 1871, Elspeth Marr was married but childless (perhaps by choice) and lived in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. Throughout her lifetime, she wrote copious letters and notes to an unnamed 'young girl' about the nuts and bolts of life, as well as her views on more worldly matters. Never meant for publication, these notes languished in obscurity until Christopher Rush's mother discovered them in a small brown suitcase long after his great-great aunt Epp passed away.
"Sassy and opinionated, Aunt Epp was not afraid to voice her views and give her advice on topics ranging from adultery to wrinkles, God to genitals. In a time when mentioning such things would have been deemed unladylike and improper, Aunt Epp left nothing unsaid. Full of wit and erudition, not to mention homespun herbal remedies and witty verse, now Aunt Epp's timeless wisdom can be shared and enjoyed by everyone."
~~front flap
It was certainly all that! To wit:
"Chastity: There is much talk of this, and great expectation placed upon a woman, none on a man, no more than if you would expect a bee to produce milk, or a cow honey. That is very well for the man, who is not expected to comprehend the secret of chastity. As for you, understand one thing: chastity is a spiritual, or at least a mental condition, not a physical one. You are not to confuse it with virginity. There is no better representation of this in literature than Mr Hardy's Tess, who loses her virginity but remains chaste to the end. Many's the vile-minded virgin and chaste whore. Splendide mendax et in omne virgo nobilis aevum."
or:
"Conceiving, Difficulty in: First of all you must ignore that worthless superstition that you have a great chance of conceiving if you copulate in the fields, or close to a growing thing or an erect object such as a standing stone or a tree. In practical terms you have a smaller chance outdoors, as indoors the man will be firmer and may the more easily penetrate and plant his seed the deeper when two persons are at their ease in a good sensible bed, than when you are stretched out on the hard ground with little spring in it, and surrounded by cowpats and nettles, not to mention workers and wasps and folk out for their walks. ... The old folk used to say that some women who could not conceive got themselves pregnant by rubbing their bellies against the belly of an already pregnant woman. That is another piece of idle nonsense. If you wish to conceive, you had better rub your belly not against a woman but against a man. That is the only way to conceive -- sparing the presence of the Holy Ghost -- with sperm in your belly and not with these old wives' blethers in your brain."
or:
"Scott: You should read Scott instead of Austen. But with the exception of one or two novels such as Ivanhoe, which may delight a reader of twelve or thirteen, Scott should not be read by persons under thirty. The Wizard of the North did not always write because he wanted to, but in order to make money and defray a debt, so while there are great novels on a leverl with the greatest owrks of literature, there are some extremely poor one too."
All in all, a delightful romp through old receipts and sharp-tongued wisdom.
"Adultery, bunions, evolution, and garlic: these are just a few of the toics that Christopher Rush's great-great aunt Elspeth Marr expounded upon in a series of lifelong musings that were shockingly frank and progressive for her time.
"Born in 1871, Elspeth Marr was married but childless (perhaps by choice) and lived in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. Throughout her lifetime, she wrote copious letters and notes to an unnamed 'young girl' about the nuts and bolts of life, as well as her views on more worldly matters. Never meant for publication, these notes languished in obscurity until Christopher Rush's mother discovered them in a small brown suitcase long after his great-great aunt Epp passed away.
"Sassy and opinionated, Aunt Epp was not afraid to voice her views and give her advice on topics ranging from adultery to wrinkles, God to genitals. In a time when mentioning such things would have been deemed unladylike and improper, Aunt Epp left nothing unsaid. Full of wit and erudition, not to mention homespun herbal remedies and witty verse, now Aunt Epp's timeless wisdom can be shared and enjoyed by everyone."
~~front flap
It was certainly all that! To wit:
"Chastity: There is much talk of this, and great expectation placed upon a woman, none on a man, no more than if you would expect a bee to produce milk, or a cow honey. That is very well for the man, who is not expected to comprehend the secret of chastity. As for you, understand one thing: chastity is a spiritual, or at least a mental condition, not a physical one. You are not to confuse it with virginity. There is no better representation of this in literature than Mr Hardy's Tess, who loses her virginity but remains chaste to the end. Many's the vile-minded virgin and chaste whore. Splendide mendax et in omne virgo nobilis aevum."
or:
"Conceiving, Difficulty in: First of all you must ignore that worthless superstition that you have a great chance of conceiving if you copulate in the fields, or close to a growing thing or an erect object such as a standing stone or a tree. In practical terms you have a smaller chance outdoors, as indoors the man will be firmer and may the more easily penetrate and plant his seed the deeper when two persons are at their ease in a good sensible bed, than when you are stretched out on the hard ground with little spring in it, and surrounded by cowpats and nettles, not to mention workers and wasps and folk out for their walks. ... The old folk used to say that some women who could not conceive got themselves pregnant by rubbing their bellies against the belly of an already pregnant woman. That is another piece of idle nonsense. If you wish to conceive, you had better rub your belly not against a woman but against a man. That is the only way to conceive -- sparing the presence of the Holy Ghost -- with sperm in your belly and not with these old wives' blethers in your brain."
or:
"Scott: You should read Scott instead of Austen. But with the exception of one or two novels such as Ivanhoe, which may delight a reader of twelve or thirteen, Scott should not be read by persons under thirty. The Wizard of the North did not always write because he wanted to, but in order to make money and defray a debt, so while there are great novels on a leverl with the greatest owrks of literature, there are some extremely poor one too."
All in all, a delightful romp through old receipts and sharp-tongued wisdom.
June 6, 2015
3.5 stars.
I have to say, I definitely prefer this ‘How to be a Woman’ guide to Caitlin Moran’s How to be a Woman.
I am unsure of how to rate this book because I am unsure of its authenticity: I can see that others have already given negative reviews because they doubt that the opinions are genuinely coming down from a ‘Victorian Lady’ as the cover claims, but I remain agnostic , because I feel I want to believe that there have always been people with progressive values but I am not sure about this work in particular. Some of the traditional advice for folksy herbal remedies etc. seems like it might be useful though (though further research might be a good idea), even if the views on morality and general conduct are not confirmed to be genuine. Overall, I’m not entirely swayed one way or the other, but I would at least like to believe it is authentic (though I realise others may see this as naïve).
I agreed with a lot of the book’s content, but there were a few times when I felt like the author was lecturing me , so if that is a pet peeve of yours I would not recommend. However, although I didn’t agree with everything, the author expressed herself very eloquently. It’s probably worth noting, on the other hand, that the work isn’t strictly ‘Victorian’ (her life span being 1871-1947), just as a side note.
I end this review with some words of wisdom from Aunt Epp herself (supposedly): remain sceptical, and always keep an open mind and open bowels.
I have to say, I definitely prefer this ‘How to be a Woman’ guide to Caitlin Moran’s How to be a Woman.
I am unsure of how to rate this book because I am unsure of its authenticity: I can see that others have already given negative reviews because they doubt that the opinions are genuinely coming down from a ‘Victorian Lady’ as the cover claims, but I remain agnostic , because I feel I want to believe that there have always been people with progressive values but I am not sure about this work in particular. Some of the traditional advice for folksy herbal remedies etc. seems like it might be useful though (though further research might be a good idea), even if the views on morality and general conduct are not confirmed to be genuine. Overall, I’m not entirely swayed one way or the other, but I would at least like to believe it is authentic (though I realise others may see this as naïve).
I agreed with a lot of the book’s content, but there were a few times when I felt like the author was lecturing me , so if that is a pet peeve of yours I would not recommend. However, although I didn’t agree with everything, the author expressed herself very eloquently. It’s probably worth noting, on the other hand, that the work isn’t strictly ‘Victorian’ (her life span being 1871-1947), just as a side note.
I end this review with some words of wisdom from Aunt Epp herself (supposedly): remain sceptical, and always keep an open mind and open bowels.
January 25, 2011
This is a fascinating book, filled with all kinds of tidbits from a woman who held decided views of life. Born in 1871 in Scotland, she lived until 1947. Her notebook was discovered years after her death by a great-niece and edited into this book by a great-great nephew.
Aunt Epp obviously did not suffer fools gladly, she relished living life to its fullest, and she was willing to share what she knew.
Want to know what kind of wood to burn in your fireplace? Ask Aunt Epp. (Don't burn wet elm.)
Need a recommendation for a good read? (Emily Dickinson is always a good choice, but skip Jane Austen.)
Looking for a good husband? (Don't even think about men who play golf.)
Have a bad case of bunions, hiccups, constipation? (Has she got recipes for you! And the cure for baldness is a real treat!)
Her views on Reincarnation, Fascism, Darwinism, and Chastity are not necessarily those of society, either then or now.
Aunt Epp obviously did not suffer fools gladly, she relished living life to its fullest, and she was willing to share what she knew.
Want to know what kind of wood to burn in your fireplace? Ask Aunt Epp. (Don't burn wet elm.)
Need a recommendation for a good read? (Emily Dickinson is always a good choice, but skip Jane Austen.)
Looking for a good husband? (Don't even think about men who play golf.)
Have a bad case of bunions, hiccups, constipation? (Has she got recipes for you! And the cure for baldness is a real treat!)
Her views on Reincarnation, Fascism, Darwinism, and Chastity are not necessarily those of society, either then or now.
September 2, 2012
Not so sure all of this is authentic, if so, this late Victorian lady is remarkably modern and enlightened, if not a little obsessed with sex. From how to make a decent Welsh Rarebit, we also hear the best way to stop a husband's jealousy over a new born is to encourage him to suckle breast-milk. Seriously.
Have to say I do agree with her demolition of Jane Austen as being empty-headed and playing spillykins whilst men were dying on the fields of Waterloo and also her demolition of aetheists as being close minded. She (or whoever) writes quite interestingly and appreciatively of Darwin, so we don't have raging fundamentalism, thankfully.
A typical Christmas book, bought in the post-Christmas sale for 75% discount, and I have to say I paid enough!
Have to say I do agree with her demolition of Jane Austen as being empty-headed and playing spillykins whilst men were dying on the fields of Waterloo and also her demolition of aetheists as being close minded. She (or whoever) writes quite interestingly and appreciatively of Darwin, so we don't have raging fundamentalism, thankfully.
A typical Christmas book, bought in the post-Christmas sale for 75% discount, and I have to say I paid enough!
July 22, 2010
An interesting concept for a book: a Victorian lady offering her thoughts on an assortment of topics from the scatological to the eschatological. But since the snippets were pulled from letters and other sources, the organization felt forced, and context was lost at many points. Despite the few tantalizing paragraphs here and there, overall it was a dull collage of out-of-context ideas and advice.
February 20, 2010
Typical Christmas book really, although some bits were interesting from the point of view of her out-of-time open-mindedness and clarity. Who says all Victorian women were staid and prudish?
Perhaps could've done with fewer tips on how to put various herbs, leaves and vegetables where the sun don't shine.
Perhaps could've done with fewer tips on how to put various herbs, leaves and vegetables where the sun don't shine.
August 17, 2010
There were some shocking journal entries (the use of female urine as an aphrodisiac - this Scottish woman was born in the late 1800's) and some amazingly wise, modern entries about living life well. However, they were intermingled with so many Scottish herbal recipes for curing common maladies that a reader may stop reading the book before even getting to them.
March 18, 2011
I wonder how in the world she came up across some of her methods. For example-the restoring old readings and impotence...what would make you think of that.
I think I would have liked her. SHe seemed to be open-minded and respected everyone. She did not think she was better than anyone else. Its interesting to read that she dealt with many of the issues we deal with in the modern day.
I think I would have liked her. SHe seemed to be open-minded and respected everyone. She did not think she was better than anyone else. Its interesting to read that she dealt with many of the issues we deal with in the modern day.
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February 10, 2016Often funny, sometimes poignant musings on life and all its varied ingredients from the journals of a nineteenth century woman. Sometimes she seems fixated with subjects like farts and infidelity, but there are plenty of words of wit and wisdom - not to mention scary-sounding herbal rememdies - for whatever ails us sprinkled liberally throughout this delightful little book.
January 9, 2011
This is great!!!
Feeling down? Look something up in here, and you'll find Aunt Epp helping you through your bad times.
And the recipes!! Even if we can't find some of the ingredients, if you're a crazy cookbook fan like me, you'll know just how much fun it is to imagine making the recipe.
Feeling down? Look something up in here, and you'll find Aunt Epp helping you through your bad times.
And the recipes!! Even if we can't find some of the ingredients, if you're a crazy cookbook fan like me, you'll know just how much fun it is to imagine making the recipe.
August 28, 2012
Aunt Epp certainly charms, although I have to admit that her (all too frequent) advice on the many wonderful uses of urine is a bit odd. Still, interesting for its insight into the women who bridged the gap between the Victorian world and the modern one.
October 13, 2013
A surprising and curious read, really a dip into kind of book. I would have found it more informative to see dates attached to some of these entries in order to give a better historical and cultural context. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews