BOOKS OF LADY'S INTEREST
SECOND PRINTING, LOWER PRICE!
L. VIRGINIA SMITH FRENCH'S
WAR JOURNAL 1862-1865
The second printing is here! Much of our initial printing cost and overhead was covered by the sale of our first printing of this fantastic book. Now we can offer it to you at an even lower price than before. Hopefully this will give even more people access to this book which many are calling the "Civilian Company Aytch".
L. Virginia French's journal gives the best insight into the everyday life of a Middle Tennessean that pen ever put to paper. During the first part of the journal her thoughts are somewhat philosophical but as time goes on and the war comes to her home in McMinnville Tennessee it all becomes very personal. Accounts of Yankee raids on the town, factories burned without warning while the female workers are still on the top floor and Cavalry battles literally in her front yard. She entertains General John Hunt Morgan and his new bride Mattie Ready Morgan days after their wedding. Fans of General Morgan will be amazed at the stories Mrs. French records in her journal as told by the General himself. Recorded in her journals the very day of the telling. General Wheeler visits so often that a member of his staff becomes engaged to Virginia's niece!
Women will be astounded by the details of of the local ladies dress, right down to the fabric, buttons and even their jewelry.
Details of how Terry's Texas Rangers were re-equipped by the local tradesmen, from their horse tac, shoes, boots and even how the local ladies pitched in to help with the clothing.
Every General officer, Colonel or Major that passes through the area calls on Mrs. French and she relates their tales to you through her journal. So many of the nagging questions about everyday life during the period, that I never thought I would know the answer to unfolded before me in crystal clarity as I read this journal.
It is probably best that we let her speak for herself.
A very small portion of this journal has been edited for clarity. In a few cases so has the spelling. But for the most part is appears here just as it does in the journal.
L. VIRGINIA FRENCH'S WAR JOURNAL
#B-2320 $19.95
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THE SOCIABLE, or ONE THOUSAND AND ONE
HOME AMUSEMENTS
I was very happy to see this book reprinted. I have 3 copies of the original in my library, that's how much I enjoy this book.
This book is just plain fun. It's 375 pages full of games, puzzles and parlor magic that will keep you and yours entertained for hours. There is so much more to this book than I can possibly list here, you will just have to see it for yourself to appreciate it. First printed in 1858. This is a great tool for a governess. Don't tell the kids but there is a lot to be learned from this little volume.
THE SOCIABLE, HOME AMUSEMENTS
#B-2986 $14.95
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MISS LESLIE'S DIRECTIONS FOR COOKERY. An unabridged reprint of the 1851 classic. Over 500 pages of recipes! The most clear, easy to read and understand of all the mid 19th century cook books. Not just a cook book, no, no no. Between the covers of this book you will also find recipies for salves and ointments, perfumes etc. How to carve fowl and which cut of meat is best. There is simply too much to list here. This book must be read to be appreciated.
THE VIRGINIA HOUSEWIFE or THE METHODICAL COOK by MARY RANDOLPH. Originally published in 1824. A very popular cookbook, not just of it's day but Mrs. Randolph recieved praise from every corner for years after it's publication. Easy to read and just well written. Covers a wide variety of goods, meats, breads, puddings and more. A nice section on pickles too.
THE ART OF COOKERY MADE PLAIN AND EASY. The 1805 printing. It always "sets me back" a bit when someone uses the phrase, "the art of" in a title. I immediatly expect that someone else is going to take their turn at trying to make me feel stupid. Big words, long phrases with lots of flowers and glitter and each including references to the author and their many degrees and accomplishments.
Well color me surprised, this was not the case here. I guess there is good reason this book is still in print. This book was found in George Washington and Thomas Jefferson's kitchen. Ben Franklin even translated some of the recipes into French hoping to get a taste of home cooking while posted in Paris as a diplomat (from an earlier printing of course). I guess you really can't judge a book by it's cover.
MISS LESLIE'S DIRECTIONS FOR COOKERY
# B-2980 $18.95
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THE VIRGINIA HOUSEWIFE
# B-2981 $9.95
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THE ART OF COOKERY
# B-2982 $11.95
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THE FIRST AMERICAN COOKBOOK. A facsimile of "American Cookery" 1796 by Amelia Simmons. A small but informative little book that is well worth the price of admission. It will take some decoding on your part but that's half the fun.
EARLY AMERICAN COOKERY or THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPER 1841 by Josepah Hale. Now where have we heard that name before? This is a wonderful little cookbook written by one of the most influential yet little know women of the period, before, during and after the Civil War. Here's a hint for you, think fashion.
THE FIRST AMERICAN COOKBOOK
# B-2983 $5.95
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EARLY AMERICAN COOKERY
# B-2984 $7.95
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PETERSON'S LADIES NATIONAL MAGAZINE
MAY 1862
I have to admit that some times a product turns out better than I ever anticipated - this is one of those. The quality of this reprint is outstanding, as close to the original as was humanly possible. Every piece of type was re-set, this is no xerox copy! In addition it is the correct size and the fashion print is actually in color just as the original.
If your not familiar with Peterson's you have really been missing out. Peterson's was published out of Philadelphia and was one of the most popular Ladies magazines of it's time, it overtook Godey's as the number one best seller in 1866 and Godey's never held that title again. The format is basically the same but it is my personal opinion that the writing is better as is their explanation of the fashions. As a matter of fact this issue has the best explanation of which materials to use for the different degrees of mourning that I have ever seen.
Page after page of fashions for the lady of the house and the children. Knitting and crochet projects with detailed instructions, book reviews, songs with lyrics and music, stories, some serial, some complete and don't forget receipts. Many many examples of needlework and poems galore, few people realize or appreciate the popularity of poetry during the CW era. This will be a great asset to any ladies kit, especially for living histories.
But why take my word for it? Let's ask Mr. Peterson what he thinks of his magazine!
Now when Mr. Peterson says that this magazine contains 1000 pages and 30 steel plate engravings he is speaking of the year, Not per monthly issue.
PETERSON'S MAY 1862
#B-2493 $7.95
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THE YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER'S FRIEND
This is one of my favorite period advice & cook books. Originally printed in 1859, written by Mrs. Cornelius. It was and is very popular. It's been 30 years since anyone reproduced this one. Every now and then I find a copy to resell and they always go quickly. So after some consideration I drug out one of my old original copies and had 500 hard back copies of them printed. I think you will be very happy with the results.
THE YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER'S FRIEND
#B-2452 $19.95
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THE LADIES INDISPENSABLE ASSISTANT
This book has more remedies than recipes (original spelling) but there are plenty of both along with a helping of general advice. Many of you may find the listing of plants and their healing properties the most useful or at least enjoyable. Contained within these pages you will find everything from advice for visiting to potions to keep your hair from turning gray and much more.
This book is a little more obscure than many of the others you may have heard me mention in the past. I've always enjoyed it but I have never seen it reproduced. I think it much to valuable a book to let disappear into the book graveyard without even a proper stone. So once again I took the task upon myself. I hope you think it worthy.
THE LADIES INDISPENSABLE ASSISTANT
#B-2453 $14.95
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LOLA MONTEZ, THE ART OF BEAUTY
What a great book! I don't see how this book ever goes out of print. I was lucky enough to buy several of the 1982 copies, printed in Australia from the estate of an old book dealer. You had better get them while they last because they never last long. If your not familiar with Lola your missing out, she was a real hell cat (my kind of gal). Originally printed in 1858 this faithful reproduction covers all the things a lady needs to know regarding beauty, health and worldly matters. She even throws in some advice for the guys, although I think much of that is "tongue in cheek".
LOLA MONTEZ, THE ART OF BEAUTY
#B-2454 $19.95
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1839 THE KENTUCKY HOUSEWIFE
If you've read my ranting's before you are probably aware of my love of cookbooks. If not then let me explain. Cookbooks are a great source of knowledge, not just for cooking but for the life and times in which they were written. Often times containing tips on economy such as which cut of beef is just a appropriate as another more expensive cut or when to get the best price on a particular fruit, etc. etc. There are often many recipes for home remedies as doctors were considered the last resort by most rural folk. They often contain all types of drinks, teas, weights, measures and which ingredients were readily available which is often very surprising. Best of all, much of this information is still relevant today.
The Kentucky Housewife has been one of my favorites for years. I have an fragile original but thankfully it was reproduced way back in the 1980's. I use that copy for research but it's been out of print for years and is sometimes hard to find. Luckily for you it has now be reprinted in soft cover which makes them available and inexpensive!
Here's what the publisher has to say.
Originally published in 1839 this classic of Southern cooking includes more than 1300 recipes, all cooked and seasoned for a hot climate. Soups, meat, game, fish, catchup's, fruit sauces, flavored vinegars, pickles, vegetables, puddings, pastries, cakes, breads, sweetmeats, liquors and household remedies were all included in this important regional cookbook. It was aimed at those who were interested in home economy, whit easy to follow recipes for those with little or no experience in the kitchen. The foods and recipes are derived from American Indian, European and African sources and reflect a merging of he three distinct cultures in the American South.
THE KENTUCKY HOUSEWIFE
#B-2355 $19.95
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A GIRLS LIFE IN VIRGINIA
BEFORE THE WAR
Mrs. Letitia M. Burwell's book was first published/printed in 1895 by the Stokes Co. of New York. Below she recalls what it meant to grow up as she did, on a Virginia plantation, knowing not the outside world but with the plantation being her world.
Brought up amid antiquities, the Virginia girl disturbed herself not about modern fashions, appearing happy in her mother's old silks and satins made over. She rejoiced in her grandmother's laces and in her brooch of untold dimensions, with a weeping willow and tombstone on it - a constant reminder of the past - which had descended from some remote ancestor. She slept in a high bedstead - the bed of her ancestors; washed her face on an old fashioned, spindle-legged washstand; mounted a high chair to arrange her hair before the old fashioned mirror on the high bureau; climbed to the top of a high mantel piece to take down the old fashioned high candle sticks; climbed a pair of steps to get into the high swung, old fashioned carriage; perched her feet upon the top of a high brass fender if she wanted to get them warm; and, in short, had to perform so many gymnastics that she felt convinced her ancestors must have been a race of giants, or they could not have required such tall and inaccessible furniture.
A very enlightening and often humorous look at plantation life and the "well to do" Southern planter.
A GIRLS LIFE IN VIRGINIA BEFORE THE WAR
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A VIRGINIA GIRL IN THE CIVIL WAR
This history was told over tea cups. One winter, in the South, I had for my neighbor a gentle, little brown haired lady, who spent many evenings at my fireside, as I at her's, where with bits of needlework in our hands we gossiped away as women will. I discovered in her an unconscious heroine, and her Civil War experiences made ever an interesting topic. Wishing to share with others the reminiscences she gave me, I seek to present them in her own words. Just as they stand, they are unique, possessing at once the charm of romance and the veracity of history.
Don't judge a book by it's cover! This is a fun read that you can finish in just a few evenings or on a rainy day. It is written as a first hand account with Mrs. Avary acting only as secretary. Speaking as someone who has read many diaries and journals this book has all the hallmarks of a good story teller recalling personal experiances. Very enjoyable!
A VIRGINIA GIRL IN THE CIVIL WAR
Item # B-2348 $17.95
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CIVIL WAR ERA PATTERNS & FASHION PLATES
What a great idea! I wish I would have thought of this one. Kristina Seleshanko has taken 60 patterns along with the fashion plates (black & white) straight from the pages of Peterson's Ladies Magazine and reprinted them here for you. All manner of garments too. Underpinnings, dresses, jackets, shoes, waist, and so on. This may be the handiest ladies reference book that has produced to date. She has even included a few post civil war era garments so that you can see how slowly fashions change from year to year.
If your busy life does not allow for a lot of "research time", but you would prefer the original source over second hand (and often faulty) information. This may be just the book you've been looking for.
If you are handy with a pattern, enlarging and so forth, there is no reason that you can not take the patterns straight from this book to the cutting table. Enlarging patterns is somewhat of an art form, my opinion. If you've never done it you will probably need a little advice from someone who has.
CIVIL WAR ERA FASHION PATTERNS
ITEM # B-2341 $19.95
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THE LANGUAGE AND SENTIMENT OF FLOWERS
I think you'll find the book "The Language and Sentiment of Flowers" very interesting. It is yet another look into the life of the young lady during the mid-19th century. That is not to say that giving meaning to flowers started only then. It can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient Rome the Rose meant beauty and the gift of a rose to someone stated that you thought them beautiful. All these years many of us have been giving roses and did not really know why.
But held within the verses of this book you will decipher the secret meanings of all the flowers and how to use them to convey your deepest sentiments. Of course you may have to include a copy of the book along with them. This is not a copy of an original book but it appears to be a summarization done in a very easy to read style. My original copy by another title was published in 1847 and is quite large and can be difficult to reference. I find this book very easy to use and will not require any more study than you care to spend. All in all I think you will find a great deal entertainment for you and your friends held here.
THE LANGUAGE & SENTIMENT OF FLOWERS
ITEM #B-2182 $13.95
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THE LANQUAGE OF FLOWERS
PLAYING CARDS
How's that for a easy way to learn the sentiment of flowers, it's almost as easy as using Cliffs Notes! But I'm sure a scholar such as you never used those. If you enjoy playing cards this little deck will be great fun. Learn while enjoying a good game of spades or bridge. But you will still have to explain it to the boys.
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS PLAYING CARDS
ITEM #B-2328 $12.95
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DIARY OF A SOUTHERN REFUGEE
"War seems inevitable," wrote Judith W. McGuire in her diary on 10, May 1861, shortly after the firing on Fort Sumter. Fervently loyal to the South, she was packing up valuables at her home in Alexandria, Virginia, where the Confederate flag already waved. With here family she fled the city, and for the next four years she would be a refugee in her own land.
Literate and newsy, shrewdly detailed, and extremely moving, "Diary of a Southern Refugee" during the war is one of the best civilian records of the Civil War.
DIARY OF A SOUTHERN REFUGEE
ITEM # B-2061 $17.95
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HILLGROVE'S BALL ROOM GUIDE AND PRACTICAL DANCER
First published in 1863 by Dick and Fitzgerald in New York.
It is 237 pages long and is very informative. To quote the book, this is a "complete practical guide to the art of dancing". It contains descriptions of all fashionable and approved dances. It has full directions for calling the figures, the amount of music required; hints on etiquette, the toilet. etc.
There are many illustrations and the instructions are very easy to read and understand. Regardless of whether you are an accomplished dancer or a beginner you will find this a very helpful book. There is also a very good section on etiquette. I think anyone who likes Civil War era dances will enjoy this book.
HILLGROVE'S BALL ROOM GUIDE
ITEM # B-815 $17.95
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THE WAR TIME JOURNAL OF A GEORGIA GIRL
The book "THE WAR TIME JOURNAL OF A GEORGIA GIRL". The story of a young girl, ELIZA FRANCES ANDREWS, caught in the middle of a raging civil war with no where to run. Noted historian DOUGLAS SOUTHALL FREEMAN says of this book, " A most important book that should have been included in my book, The Confederate Bookshelf." A spirited account of the war and the first months of reconstruction. There is seldom a study done on women in the civil war where this book is not quoted. One of the best references a southern girl can have!
THE WAR TIME JOURNAL OF A GEORGIA GIRL
ITEM #B-808 $19.95
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WOMEN IN THE CIVIL WAR
The book "WOMEN IN THE CIVIL WAR" by MARY ELIZABETH MASSEY, with introduction by JEAN V. BERLIN.
Had every woman and girl of the 1860's described the ways in which she was affected by the civil war, no two accounts would have been alike. Some might have said they were scarcely aware that a conflict raged, most would have noted varying degrees of stress, and many would have reported direct involvement in the horrors of war. Rich and poor, young and old, white and colored, slave and free, Confederate and Unionist were all caught in the turbulence, but included also were the middle classes and those with no deep seated political convictions or loyalties. To be found in all areas were selfless, dedicated , energetic, courageous, virtuous women as well as the self centered, selfish, indifferent, cowardly, lazy, and immoral. In
Union and the Confederacy alike the very finest and the very worst traits of American womanhood came to the surface during the war years.
Here are there stories.
WOMEN IN THE CIVIL WAR
ITEM #B-809 $24.95
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DIARY OF A UNION LADY
The book "DIARY OF A UNION LADY" by MARIA LYDIG DALY. rumor, gossip, and innuendo are the weapons of the home front, and no one wielded them with quite the aplomb of MARIA LYDIG DALY. Her richly detailed comments on everything from inept Union generals to Dorothea Dix's appearance provide the liveliest memoir to emerge from a northern noncombatant. Daly, The wife of prominent New York city judge whose connections allowed her to meet many major figures involved in northern military and diplomatic strategy. Despite catty comments about Mrs. Lincoln and less than flattering appraisals of Union generalship, Daly could be sympathetic toward the suffering of the soldiers. She noted the fear with which many viewed the draft, seeing it as a terrible incursion on liberty, but she understood that the times called for severe measures.
DIARY OF A UNION LADY
ITEM #B-810 $24.95
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Blue And Gray Roses Of Intrigue
"Blue And Gray Roses Of Intrigue. A thrilling look into the role played by the female spy during one of the most desperate times in our nations history. True to life adventures of such daring women as Belle Boyd, Pauline Cushman, Rose Greenhow, Nancy Hart and many others you may have never heard of!
With lots of great photo's its an exciting look into the lives of women who dared risk there all for the country they loved.
Blue And Gray Roses Of Intrigue
ITEM # B-709 6.95
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The Mother's Book
Another wonderful book by Mrs. Child. Author of "The American Frugal Housewife" and "The Girls Own Book" as well as several more "Need to Know" books of the era. She was the most published female author or her time. Considered by many one of the first feminist in the country. This book was first published in 1831, this book is a wealth of information for the mother or nurse. Every step of child rearing is covered from infancy to teenage years and beyond. Mrs. Child's lively form of writing is as entertaining as it is informative.
Good advice for any generation and a very good insight to the times in which she lived.
The Mother's Book
ITEM # B-685 $14.95
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The Family Nurse
The Family Nurse By Mrs. Child, The most published female author of here day. This book was first published in 1837 and is full of home remedies for just about everything you could possibly come down with.
As well as Mrs. Child's advice for staying healthy and good living in general. As with all Mrs. Child's books the family nurse is as enjoyable to read as it is informative. This is a great insight into the period and is a wealth of information for anyone who is interested in herbal remedies and natural healing.
The Family Nurse
ITEM # B-686 $12.95
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Hospital Sketches
"Hospital Sketches" By Louisa May Alcott, you may know her better as the author of Little Women. First published in 1863 this book details the true stories of an army nurse during the Civil War. A wonderful look inside the army hospitals as could only be told by one who was there. The day to day trails of an army nurse.
Hospital Sketches
ITEM # B-687 $9.95
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A Blockaded Family
"A Blockaded Family" The trails and tribulations of a family in Southern Alabama during the war and there struggle to maintain under an ever tightening Federal Blockade and the dwindling resources on the home front. Written By Parthenia Hague, a school teacher on a plantation near Eufaula Alabama. How they dyed cloth, made thread and hats, bonnets and home spun dresses are all discussed. A great look into the everyday life of a southern family during the war.
A Blockaded Family
ITEM # B-688 $14.95
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A Fashionable Dancer's Casket
The dance instruction book "The Fashionable Dancer's Casket Or Ball Room Instructor." First printed in 1856. A new and splendid work on dancing, etiquette, deportment, and the toilet by Charles Durang, with fourteen beautiful illustrations. This is a super book for the civil war re-enactor, male or female not only on the dances but how you should look, act and speak while there.
A Fashionable Dancer's Casket
ITEM # B-689 $12.95
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The American Frugal House Wife
"The American Frugal House Wife" By Mrs. Childs, she was not the first women to be published in the states but she certainly was the most often published. In an age where women were supposed to keep there opinion to themselves Mrs Childs shares her's with the country and to good effect! Her advice is as sound today as it was in the 1800s. This book should be taught in grade school.
It covers almost everything related to managing a household. How to choose the best for the least and make it last the longest. Full of home remedies for aches and pains fever and flu. 100's of recipes for jams, jellies, cakes, all types of meat and bread and just plain good advice.
The American Frugal House Wife
# B-358 $14.95
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American Cookery 1796
American Cookery By Amelia Simmons. The first cook book printed in the united states. First printed in 1796. The art of dressing viands, fish, poultry and vegetables. The best mode of making puff-pastes, pies, tarts, puddings, custards and preserves, and all kinds of cakes, from the imperial plumb to the plain cake, by Amelia Simmons, An American Orphan.
Short title don't you think? this book was reprinted until 1815. This is a super little cook book with a great intro by Karen Hess.
American Cookery 1796
ITEM # B-693 &nbs; $9.95
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Sally Wister's Journal 1777-1778
The Book "Mary Wister's Journal. A young Quaker maiden moves to the country to try to avoid the revolutionary war and ends up in the middle of it.
Day to day accounts of here interaction with the continental officers, troop movements of both Colonist and British. Many officers board and take there meals in the same house as she lives. Mary is a constant guest at the officers table. A super little book! very interesting and fun to read.
Sally Wister's Journal 1777-1778
ITEM #B-722 $8.95
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Poems Of Philis Wheatley
The Book "Poems Of Phillis Wheatley". The First Black American Women To ever be published in the new world. She was brought to the Americas in 1761 from Africa, she had a complete grasp of the English language in less than 2 years and received no other schooling than that which she was taught by the here masters family. I can not give sufficient praise to Ms. Wheatley's work so I will let Gen. George Washington do it for me. Here is an exert from a letter written by Gen. Washington To Ms. Wheatley In regard to a poem she wrote for him, about him. dated Feb. 28, 1776 . " I thank you most sincerely for your polite notice of me in the elegant encomium and panegyric. The style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your poetical talents "in honor of which, and as a tribute justly due to you." " If you ever come to Cambridge, or near my headquarters, I shall be happy to see you in person." Signed, Geo. Washington.
Her Poetry is wonderful and since many of her poems are written about the day to day happenings around her you can actually get a feel for old Boston and its inhabitants in the era just before and during The American Revolution.
Poems Of Philis Wheatley
ITEM # B-695 $9.95
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The Diary Of Anna Winslow 1771
The Book "The Diary Of Anna Green Winslow, who was a school girl in Boston just before the American Revolution In 1771. This diary is a wealth of information for anyone interested in the period leading up to the revolution. All aspects of a young ladies life are given in great detail in this book. The role of the church, her schooling and what industries she is encouraged to endeavor in as well as her relations with friends and family.
A must for the rev. war re-enactor.
The Diary Of Anna Winslow 1771
ITEM # B-696 $9.95
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New England Rarities 1672
The Book "New England Rarities Discovered" By John Josselyn. First published in 1672. This 116 page little book is a very enjoyable look into how the old world saw the new. Its pages are filled with the new names of plants and animal with there descriptions as well as what the natives and New Englanders used them for. There are several wood cut illustrations too.
But my favorite is, if i may quote Mr. Josslyn " A perfect description of an Indian "SQVA" in all her bravery, with a poem not improperly conferr'd upon her."
New England Rarities 1672
ITEM # B-697 $9.95
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