The Butler Did It

One of my favorite things of all time is to come home from work and find a package from a book store waiting for me.  It’s like a little version of Christmas right at your front door. 

Tonight there were two books – both reference books, both remarkably engaging.

The Country House, How it Worked by John Vince

Anyone who reads historicals, especially Regency, knows that the characters are always running off to the country house.  Well, any question you ever had about them is answered in this book with detailed pencil drawings.

The Complete Servant by Samuel & Sarah Adams

Parts of this book were originally published in 1759 & 1783.  There can be no book more comprehensive when it comes to the role of a servant.  The authors were 50 years in service ending their careers as the Housekeeper and Butler.  There are even recipes for both food and cleaning supplies, directions on cleaning gloves without water, and directions for contemporary child care.  Absolutely fascinating.

Ooooooh, I wish I had a month off work so I could just sit and read from cover to cover.