A review by honniker
The American Frugal Housewife: Dedicated to Those Who Are Not Ashamed of Economy, by Lydia Maria Francis Child
3.0
This book gives an interesting insight into life in the 1830's. It is a tough read however due to different vocabulary and terms that are no longer used. It's also a difficult read because so much information is thrown at you all at once, all the ways of helping with lockjaw for example, that you find yourself beginning to drown a bit.
Some people have complained about the section on "Educating daughter" and how it basically tells women they should be good little wives and stay home. Honestly, I didn't have a problem with this section. If you read it in the cultural context it makes sense, the author is telling people that their education should include practical skills, not just drawing and painting and music so that they would be able to run a household well, which is what they were expected to do in the 1830s.
All in all it was interesting to go through this little volume, but it's not one I'd really recommend.
Some people have complained about the section on "Educating daughter" and how it basically tells women they should be good little wives and stay home. Honestly, I didn't have a problem with this section. If you read it in the cultural context it makes sense, the author is telling people that their education should include practical skills, not just drawing and painting and music so that they would be able to run a household well, which is what they were expected to do in the 1830s.
All in all it was interesting to go through this little volume, but it's not one I'd really recommend.