I have several copies of Godey's Lady's Home Journal. All of them are dated from the 1850's to 1870's. Whenever life gets a little stressful I will pull one off the bookshelf and wander through the pages. I purchased my first volume in 1998 as a way to research the past for a project that has obviously taken me 10 years to accomplish. I'm hoping that I complete the project before the 11th year ends. Here are some glimpses of the past...
If you get a chance to look at one of these books you will be amused and may even become a bit thoughtful regarding the life of women during this period of time.
I've read some of the articles in these books and while there is a wistfulness as I read, there is also a feeling of in credulousness as to how women were viewed. Here in this photo of the table of contents is a story, "the American Women's Educational Association." Where it is being studied as to whether women and men should attend the same college together.
And, of course there are plenty of recipes that include ingredients that may make one cringe and
language used in such a way that takes one back in time...
Then, just as now arts and crafts...
And, elegant ladies...
If you get a chance to look at one of these books you will be amused and may even become a bit thoughtful regarding the life of women during this period of time.
I've read some of the articles in these books and while there is a wistfulness as I read, there is also a feeling of in credulousness as to how women were viewed. Here in this photo of the table of contents is a story, "the American Women's Educational Association." Where it is being studied as to whether women and men should attend the same college together.
And, of course there are plenty of recipes that include ingredients that may make one cringe andlanguage used in such a way that takes one back in time...
Then, just as now arts and crafts...
And, elegant ladies...
10 reviews:
What a treasure!! Happy that you kept them and enjoying them now :)
That is very cool, just look at those dresses, amazing ;)
http://pinkcrabcreations.blogspot.com
Mel
You know, I never found that my friends from all-girls schools were *any* less corrupt than me.
But I'm not sure that argument would have held water back then....
Wow! I just recently got a similar book called "Twentieth Century Etiquette" published in 1900, just for fun :) Maybe we should exchange note some day from our library, ha!
It's definitely interesting to read how much life has changed for women (and how some things haven't changed much at all, like a lot of the wedding-related traditions).
I love old books! Great find!
Just wanted to stop by and let you know I nominated you for a blog award, you can check it out here http://pinkcrabcreations.blogspot.com/2008/08/brillante-weblog-premio-award-2008.html
Mel :)
What a fun way to time travel! Such a different world it was back then for women. I like my modern sensibilities too much to desire living in that era, but it is definitely fun to read about it and picture what life was like.
I love those old books! They crack me up! I have my grandmother's copy of "Pictorial Review Cook Book" from 1934 and my Nana's copy of "Feeding the Family" from 1917.
By the way, I've tagged you for a meme!
I am constantly amazed at how women were regarded! I love your book and the pictures. I think that kind of stuff is so fun to read!
fascinating stuff - love your pictures.
I've picked up a few older books along the way ... one of them was meant to explain computers to secretaries who were going to be expected to learn to use them. It is SO patronizing!
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