The Complete Home - Clara E. Laughlin

by Clara E. Laughlin

"Blessed indeed are they who are free to choose where and how they shall live. Still more blessed are they who give abundant thought to their choice, for they may not wear the sackcloth of discomfort nor scatter the ashes of burned money . . . "

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1907

About the author

Clara Elizabeth Laughlin (1873-1941) was an American writer, editor and radio personality. She was born in New York City and lived in Chicago.

Laughlin graduated from Chicago High School in 1890. She wrote more than 35 books. These included biographies of Sarah Bernhardt, Ferdinand Foch, and James Whitcomb Riley, in addition to an autobiography and several novels. She wrote articles for the Ladies Home Journal, and a series of travel books called "So you're going to."

Her papers are held by Smith College and were donated by her nieces.

Reviews

[Leanne Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This must have been an invaluable book for any new homemaker in the early part of the last century. From a modern perspective, it provides excellent insight into the responsibilities associated with running a large household. I was particularly struck by how much work was involved in such regular tasks as washing and ironing. We certainly have come a long way since boiling sheets in a pot over an open fire and using two heavy irons, interchangeably heated on a coal stove! Also, I much prefer the dishwasher and stainless steel cutlery to the careful and time-consuming handling of silver. While much of the content is outdated, though, the book still offers good advice on, design, decorating storage and maintenance of household items, and I enjoyed it as a prelude to spring-cleaning.

[Kayla Barriger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating book in the aspect of home life in the early 20th century. Overall, it took me awhile to get into it; it is a massive book. There is a lot of information that could prove to be helpful in our modern age, but you have to read between a lot of obsolete information as well. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoyed learning about the historic home life. It could prove to be a helpful resource for someone authoring a book, play, or movie that is based in that era.

[Ann J Dugos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oldie but, yeah, I loved it.

I can't get enough classic books on homemaking! This book is written for the woman that took care of every aspect of her home. And some of the tips work even in today's world.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting - and frightening- to read about what it took to run a home in the past.