Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management

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You know about Mrs Beeton’s book, yes? In case not, here’s a brief intro from the Canadian Conservation Institute:

Beeton’s Book of Household Management is the pre-eminent 19th-century source of recipes for all seasons, for all foods (even guinea pigs!). Much more than a simple cookbook, it has provided generations of readers with delightful insights into the preparation of food for the well-to-do Victorian household. Take for example the section on rabbits. Each species is introduced with an engraving of the bunny in its natural state (fuzzy evocations of Beatrix Potter) along with a brief description of its habitat and habits. This is followed by directions for preparation, and concludes with an engraving of the finished product laid out on a plate ready to eat. And within this very thorough compendium of methods for preparing and serving food, Isabella Beeton also provided many tips on preserving and maintaining the tools of the household. [continue]

And perhaps you saw the Guardian article about Mrs Beeton last year: Mrs Beeton couldn’t cook but she could copy, reveals historian. Fascinating!

At any rate, somebody has put Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management on the web. Go read about the Arrangement and Economy of the Kitchen, Domestic Servants, or Game. Or go straight to Sweet Recipes, because who can resist looking at those?

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