Books matching: domestic life
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'At Home: A Short History of Private Life' by Bill Bryson takes readers on a journey through history via one house built in an improbably important year of 1851. Bryson uses his own English country home as a framework for exploring innovations and history in everyday life, from domestic inventions to the history of archaeology, child labor to the plight of country parsons. Each room in his home represents different concepts to be discussed, such as health and cleanliness in the bathroom, child labor in the nursery, and innovations in the kitchen. Bryson's writing style is described as chatty, engaging, and very interesting, making the book a fascinating read full of obscure facts and history.
In the autumn of 1850, in Hyde Park in London, there arose a most extraordinary structure: a giant iron-and-glass greenhouse covering nineteen acres of ground and containing within its airy vastness e...- #2
Save:'Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England' by Judith Flanders is an exhaustively researched account of upper middle-class life in Victorian England. Flanders delves into social conventions, such as social calling, decorating, food preparation, appropriate dress, expectations of domestic help, and mourning practices. She also explores the portrayal of women in periodicals, novels, and plays of the time, acknowledging the idealized expectations presented in these sources.
Flanders presents a detailed look at domestic life in Victorian England, drawing from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive view of the era. offers insights into the daily lives of both the upper-class residents and the servants, shedding light on the realities behind the romanticized views often associated with this period.
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Save:'The Domestic Revolution: How the Introduction of Coal into Victorian Homes Changed Everything' by Ruth Goodman is a detailed exploration of the transition from wood to coal in British households, focusing on the impact on domestic life, cooking, and housekeeping. The book delves into the significance of this transition, shedding light on how the changing habits of burning fuel for warmth and food preparation played a crucial role in shaping British society, from highborn ladies to the lower classes. Goodman skillfully intertwines historical facts with captivating narratives, offering insights into the challenges, solutions, and habits of women in the 19th century.
The author expertly navigates through the history of domestic life in England from the 15th to the 19th century, providing a comprehensive understanding of how the introduction of coal and soaps transformed not only British households but also the Empire. Goodman's writing style is engaging and well-researched, offering a blend of scholarly depth and light-hearted storytelling that captivates readers and provides a fresh perspective on the impact of domestic changes on society at large.
It helps to begin with an understanding of how to make a fire. Different fuels burn in different ways, producing not just varying levels of heat, but a range of forms and shapes of it. Some fires rele... 'Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England' by Amanda Vickery delves into the social history of Georgian England, focusing on the domestic lives of people from the 17th through the 19th centuries. The author meticulously examines housing, furnishings, and daily life to provide insight into the roles of men and women in establishing and sustaining households. Through detailed research and anecdotes, Vickery paints a vivid picture of home life, including aspects such as building, decor, fashion, and customs, offering a comprehensive view of society during this era.
This book would simply not have been possible without the miraculous generosity of the Leverhulme Trust. Before I tore open the award letter in 2003, I would never have imagined a historian could be s...- #5
Save:'The Victorian House' by Judith Flanders delves into the domestic life of ordinary Victorians, focusing on the rooms in the house to represent different stages in life. The author's writing style is clear and engaging, providing insights into the daily life, roles, and challenges faced by individuals during the Victorian era. Flanders skillfully combines informative content with entertainment value, making the book accessible and enjoyable for readers interested in history and the Victorian period.
'Happenstance: Two Novels in One About a Marriage in Transition' by Carol Shields tells the story of a married couple, Brenda and Jack Bowman, who spend a week apart for the first time in their 20-year marriage. The novel is split into two parts, 'The Wife's Tale' and 'The Husband's Tale', each presenting the perspective of one spouse during this time of separation. The narrative explores the ordinary happenings in their lives, their thoughts on each other and their marriage, as well as their individual desires and disappointments. The writing style is characterized by detailed character building, domestic minutiae, and an experimental approach to storytelling, providing depth and resonance to the seemingly mundane events in the couple's lives.
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Save:'Knight's Acre' in the Suffolk series by Norah Lofts follows the story of Sir Godfrey Tallboys, a knight who travels to tournaments to make a living, leaving his wife Sybilla and their children at home in Knight's Acre. The plot revolves around the challenges faced by Sybilla as she navigates life without her husband, including dealing with predators, survival on limited resources, and protecting her family. The story is set in medieval England and portrays the harsh realities of the time, including struggles with outlaws, starvation, and the longing for reunion amidst trials and tribulations.
The writing style of Norah Lofts in 'Knight's Acre' is praised for its ability to transport readers to another time and place, providing a realistic and compelling historical fiction experience. delves into the intricate details of daily life, beliefs, and challenges faced by the characters, offering a glimpse into the tenacious and hardworking nature of individuals, especially the children, who strive to survive and thrive in a difficult era.
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Save:In the book 'Homestead' by Claire Kent, readers are introduced to Chloe, a young woman who has survived in a post-apocalyptic world by hiding in the woods with her grandfather. When tragedy strikes and Chloe is left alone, she is taken in by Jimmy, a widower looking for a wife to share his cabin and his life. The story follows Chloe and Jimmy as they navigate their new relationship, full of complexities and uncertainties, in a world where survival and relationships are equally challenging. The writing style in 'Homestead' is described as realistic and nuanced, focusing on the intimate details of domestic life and the intricacies of human relationships in a dangerous and resource-scarce world.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kindled ) - #9
Save:'Raising Demons' by Shirley Jackson is a humorous memoir that offers a delightful and entertaining glimpse into the chaotic life of raising four children in the 1950s. The book follows the author's experiences with her family, including anecdotes about daily life, mothering, and the challenges of managing a household. Through simple prose and a touch of sarcasm, Jackson captures the joys and miseries of being a mother and wife, painting a vivid picture of a bustling household filled with memorable characters and humorous situations.
Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'Raising Demons' is described as homey, familiar, and observant, with a subtle sarcasm that adds depth to the narrative. The book is praised for its nostalgic charm, insightful storytelling, and humorous take on everyday life, making it a relatable and engaging read for those interested in family dynamics and domestic humor.
I do not now have the slightest understanding of the events which got us out of one big white house which we rented into another, bigger white house which we own, at least in part. That is, I know we ... - #10
Save:"Light Years" by James Salter is a novel that delves into the intricacies of marriage and human relationships. The story revolves around Viri and Nedra, a couple living outside New York City with their two daughters. The narrative spans over decades, exploring the evolution of their marriage, including infidelity, divorce, and new relationships. Salter's writing style has been described as poetic, evocative, and deeply moving, capturing the complexities of love and loss with exquisite detail and profound insight.
WE DASH THE BLACK RIVER, ITS flats smooth as stone. Not a ship, not a dinghy, not one cry of white. The water lies broken, cracked from the wind. This great estuary is wide, endless. The river is brac...
