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The Glory of Woman: Prescriptive Literature, 1840 - 1849
- Abell, L. G., Mrs. The Skillful Housewife's Book; or, complete guide to domestic cookery, taste, comfort and economy. New York: D. Newell, [1846].
This slim volume addresses “the science of life” in its moral, physical, and economic aspects. Includes medical information, moral hints, gardening tips, parenting advice, and 659 recipes.
- American Lady. A Hand-Book of Etiquette for Ladies. New York: Leavitt and Allen, 1847.
A tiny volume with dozens of tips on dress, conversation, parties, dining, correspondence, and servants.
- Arthur, Timothy Shay. Advice to Young Ladies on their Duties and Conduct in Life. Boston: Phillips and Sampson, 1848.
“Right modes of thinking are the basis of all correct action. This [is] a most important truism, and one which every young lady should regard as the foundation upon which her whole character should be laid.”
- Dixon, Edward H. Woman and Her Diseases, From the Cradle to the Grave... New York: Charles H. Ring, 1848.
Advocating the idea that "woman should be instructed in the laws of her own existence," Dixon examines the causes, symptoms, and treatment of women's health problems.
- Fowler, Orson Squire. Love and Parentage, Applied to the Improvement of Offspring... New York: Fowler and Wells, 1844.
"We are under a moral obligation...to become parents, and thus fulfill this high function, this exalted destiny of us all; nor can they attain the perfect stature of men and women, who do not."
- Fry, Caroline. A Word to Women; the love of the world, and other gatherings. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart, 1840.
A “collection of short pieces” with a Christian perspective on women’s conduct, social role, and education.
- Godey's Lady's Book [serial]. Philadelphia: L.A. Godey, 1844.
This magazine contains beautiful engravings, sheet music, poetry, and fiction, including The Oblong Box by Edgar Allen Poe.
- Hawes, Joel. A Looking-Glass for Ladies, or, The Formation and Excellence of the Female Character. Boston: William D. Ticknor, 1845.
This essay written by a Connecticut pastor examines the characteristics and influence of a “virtuous woman” and discusses the “inspired standard of female excellence.”
- The Mother's Guide in Physical Education: or, prevention better than cure. Greenfield, Mass.: Merriam & Mirick, 1846.
The author argues that children should be “taught to act the part of wisdom – to prefer health to pleasure – and intellectual enjoyment, to sensual gratifications.”
- Webster, Thomas. An Encyclopaedia of Domestic Economy. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1848.
This “invaluable compendium of useful knowledge, on subjects which intimately relate to domestic happiness” contains nearly 1,000 engravings.
