Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management Paperback by Isabella Beeton (Empire Books)

You must, first and foremost, approach this book more as an historical account rather than a guide for modern household living. The book was originally published in the late 1860s, and it shows not only by the turns of phrase, but by the sort of tasks and problems that a household of that era had to cope with. Even if your more modern household has the luxury of servants, they are probably not running an in-house apothecary, or keeping fireplaces maintained and lit all winter.

Historically speaking, I find Mrs. Beeton's instructions interesting primarily because of the glimpse it gives of the duties of a household mistress (the female head of household) and the housekeeper (her second in command) in a bygone era. You could, if you wished, take some of her advice into the running of your own household. Or perhaps try out a recipe out of curiosity. Apple Soup, anyone? But there are more modern guides that take into account modern conveniences and inconveniences.

What I found appealing was her view of the importance of the household mistress' role. She is "the Alpha and the Omega in the government of her establishment. And its by her conduct that its whole internal policy is regulated. She is, therefore, a person of far more importance in her community than she thinks she is." Mrs. Beeton points out that the conduct of the mistress becomes a pattern for the entire home, and the home influences the community. Therefore she should "always remember her responsible position, never approving a mean action or speaking an unrefined word."

I have never seen this expressed this way before. Many there are who proclaim the importance of the role of the feminine head of household. None there are who have explained so clearly why.

Remember, this is a historical document, not a modern how-to or even the sort of book you would read as if it were a novel. It's an 18th century resource. Enjoy it as such.