The Shorter Mrs Beeton

by Isabella Beeton

Book Overview

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0706365631
• Release Date: December 1987
• Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.

Customer Reviews

excellent

this is by far one of the most well-received gifts i given to people - especially if they're Virgos! It's real, and it takes you back to another time, when you have to know the proper way to treat servants, dye wool, and boil beef for a sick person. actually, i've tried some of the recipes, and they're not bad -especailly the cakes.

wonderful book

This is just a wonderful travel back in time. Such timely advice that it can still be applied today. Imagine that!

Simple life? I think not!

This book is written in such a way that you are drawn into the past and standing alongside the mistress of the house...planning your day and making sure the "household help" do their jobs well. It certainly reminds us of the benfits we have currently - with washing machines, dishwashers, automobiles, pre-packaged food and yes,fast food, yet still don't have enough time to do all the things we need/want to do. How would you like to dress your own cow or help make every article of clothing you wear (even though the "hired help" did most of it)? A brief introduction to the book instills in the reader a sense of where Mrs. Beeton arrived at her thoughts for "proper household management." She seems to have been frustrated by societal changes she was witnessing and wanted her "good ol' days" to return. It is a book I highly recommend not only for the history, but for the entertainment value. I could not put it down once I started.

What is an Oxford World Classic? -An explanation from a Brit

This is an Oxford Worlds Classic. The revolutionary thing here is that a cook book has been brought out in an academic edition for historians interested in mid-19th century Britain. This edition has a scholarly introduction and notes that help to set Mrs Beeton in context of the very high quality that is always expected from the Oxford University Press. Besides, I gather that other (expensive) seemingly original editions were often altered by early publishers. This fascinating book requires no further justification.

great for the domestic victorian re-enacter

Inside you will not only find all kinds of information on cooking and the products used but loads of drawings of kitchen gadgets and food dishes, information on how a victorian kept a household and the servants within, cared for the sick, maintained a degree of ettiquette as well as planned the type of meals held throughout the year for family and guests. This is certainly a wonderful read and the recipies are easy to follow.