The Chafing-Dish Supper
The Chafing-Dish Supper was written by Christine Terhune Herrick and first published around 1894 by Scribner’s. She was a writer and journalist who wrote prolifically about homemaking. Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may make a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase. What’s your favorite tool in the kitchen? This is a weird question that I had not given much thought to before I read The Chafing-Dish Supper. I think it is a fair assumption that most people do not ponder the origins of their kitchen machinery or utensils when preparing a meal. I surely don’t. But a few pages…
Barrack Room Ballads by Rudyard Kipling
Barrack-Room Ballads is a book of poetry by Rudyard Kipling. The first edition was published in 1892, two years before the publication of his iconic The Jungle Book. Rudyard Kipling was popular in his time, and his book of war poetry, Barrack-Room Ballads, helped solidify his reputation as a poet. This version is the Little Leather Library Corporation’s version, published in 1921 or 1922. As you can see it is very little, and it is also leather. Sometimes you will see these in red. Little Leather Library Corporation made these pocket-sized books, and during the company’s heyday they sold about 25 million books in six years time. The sales channels for these small…
The Making of a Marchioness
Before Lady Edith Crawley received her happy ending in Downton Abbey, there was Emily Fox-Seton in The Making of a Marchioness. The book was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and published in 1901. It tells the story of Emily’s life as a well-born, but poor woman who *spoiler alert* ends up marrying to become a marchioness. If the author’s name sounds familiar, perhaps it is because she is best known for the classic, The Secret Garden. Frances Hodgson Burnett was an English-American writer born in 1849. “We have no hesitation in saying that there is no living writer (man or woman) who has Mrs. Burnett’s dramatic power in telling a story.” -The New York Herald…
Elements of Astronomy, 1831 Edition
Did you have any textbooks in school that looked as beautiful as this? I didn’t think so. This is the 1831 Elements of Astronomy, Illustrated with Plates for the Use of Schools and Academies, with Questions by John H. Wilkins, A.M. I believe this book was first published in 1825. Unfortunately, this book is not in the best condition. It is rather crumbly and features prominent water damage on all pages. Nonetheless, it is still interesting, especially the illustrations. The quote is from Milton’s “Treatise on Education.” Another thing to note is that this book is a “stereotype edition.” Stereotype printing was invented in the 18th century. According to the Museum of Printing,…
A Tale of a Tub by Jonathan Swift
Way before there was Taylor Swift, there was the original popular Swift: Jonathan Swift. (No, they’re not related…I think?) Known most famously for Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift was also a scathing satirist, a poet, an essayist, and a cleric. His first major work was A Tale of a Tub, originally published in 1704. It is regarded by many scholars as his most masterful satirical work. This edition was published in 1902. Download A Tale of a Tub from Project Gutenberg for your own reading pleasure.
The Moral Discourses of Epictetus
Today’s featured antique book is The Moral Discourses of Epictetus translated by Elizabeth Carter, circa the early 1900s. This book features one of the most ornate title pages I have ever seen. A few quotes attributed to Epictetus to ponder: “Only the educated are free.” “First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.” “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
The Tennyson Gem Birthday Book
Unlike today where a Facebook notification automatically reminds us the birthdays of our friends, family, and frenemies, at the turn of the 20th century people had to remember birthdays without the aid of technology. To help with this important social task, The Tennyson Gem Birthday Book was created. The sole purpose of this planner was to record birthdays. Each month is broken down by day, and each day has a few blank lines. Interspersed between the dates, are quotes from the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The Beggar Maid Her arms across her breast she laid; She was more fair than words can say; Barefooted came the beggar maid Before the king…
