Marion Harland’s ‘Common Sense in the Household: A Manual of Practical Housewifery’ is a comprehensive guide to domestic management written in a clear and accessible style. Published in 1871, this book provides practical advice on a wide range of topics such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and childcare, making it an essential resource for any 19th-century homemaker. Harland’s emphasis on efficiency and simplicity reflects the changing role of women in society during this time period, as they took on more responsibilities in managing the home. The book also includes recipes and household tips that are both practical and innovative for its time. Harland’s writing style is informative and instructional, making it easy for readers to implement her suggestions in their own household. Marion Harland, a pseudonym for Mary Virginia Terhune, was a popular 19th-century author known for her works on domestic science and etiquette. Her personal experiences and knowledge of household management likely inspired her to write ‘Common Sense in the Household’, a book that remains relevant and valuable even in today’s modern world. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of domestic life and seeking practical advice for running a household efficiently.
Circa l’autore
Marion Harland is the pen name of Mary Virginia Terhune (née Hawes), an accomplished American author born on December 21, 1830, in Amelia County, Virginia. A pioneering figure in domestic literature, Harland began her prolific writing career with the publication of ‘Alone’ in 1854, which enjoyed immense popularity and was followed by a series of successful novels. Venturing beyond fiction, she made significant contributions to the genre of domestic manuals with titles like ‘Common Sense in the Household: A Manual of Practical Housewifery’ (1871), lauded for its mix of recipes, household advice, and wit, and which secured her reputation as an authority on domestic management and cookery. Harland’s literary style often combined practicality with moral instruction, reflecting the Victorian ideals of womanhood and domesticity. Her work demonstrated a keen understanding of the contemporary middle-class household, making her a household name and a source of guidance for many American women. Besides her homemaking manuals, Harland’s body of work includes over 50 volumes spanning novels, cookbooks, and advice literature, contributing to the cultural landscape of 19th-century America. Her works are celebrated for offering insight into the period’s social norms and have remained relevant references in the study of American domestic history. Harland continued to write and inspire until her passing on June 3, 1922.