Talk: 19th-Century Domestic Advice Manuals
Advice manuals – the self-help books of the 19th century – provide a rich source of information about domestic and social life in the era.
The Caroline Simpson Library holds many fascinating examples of 19th-century domestic advice manuals. Most of these were published in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. A number of the titles discussed are now rare; and in some cases are the only known copy in a public collection. These publications cover subjects such as household management, domestic service, decorating and etiquette, and offer great insight into social and material histories of the home.
19th Century Domestic Advice Manuals
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Eat, pray, decorate
Advice manuals – the self-help books of the 19th century – provide a rich source of information about domestic and social life in the era
Guides for domestic economy
In the fields of domestic economy, readership comprised chiefly young married women. Manuals informed the ‘house-wife’ on a woman’s role within the domestic sphere
Guides for etiquette
Some of the smallest volumes in the collection are etiquette manuals. These pocket sized volumes cover topics from letter-writing to ballroom dancing and finding a suitable spouse
Guides for masters and mistresses
Advice manuals in this category may on the surface appear paradoxical. The works provide ready reference on the varied duties of male and female domestic service roles
Guides for servants
Guides for servants were written by authors from varied social classes, including ex-servants