THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF DOMESTIC ECONOMY

by Thomas Webster and Mrs. Parkes, edited by D.M. Reese

An incredible compendium, first published in London in 1844, which sets out to provide all the information and skills which one will need for a lifetime of living in a house, including how to build the house. The volume contains twenty-four books consisting of 7,223 entries on how to dig a well, build furniture, deal with servants, tend to the sick, sew an apron, cook a rabbit, wash clothes, care for horses, brew beer, make lard. . . you name it, it is probably in here. As rich a portrait of domestic life in the mid-19th century as can be imagined. 

This copy is from the second American edition of 1848. It remains in very good shape for its 176 years. The leather covers show some rubbing and general wear, including a closed tear at the spine top; the leather is fairly dry and tends to flake off a little. The binding is sound. The text is somewhat toned with age and has light to moderate foxing throughout; no tears, stains, creases, writing, etc.  

Quite rare in any condition, and never found at this low price.

Measures 6.25" X 9.5", 1,239 pages, with almost 1,000 illustrations. Ships promptly & securely.