An Edwardian Guide to Life

Adapted from a variety of resources dating from 1834 onward, this is an amusingly serious collection of Edwardian ettiquette—from table manners to hair and makeup and sporting pursuits to health and well being

At dinner, where common household bread is used, it should never be cut less than an inch and a half thick. There is nothing more plebian than thin bread at dinner.

To cure drunkeness, Pears Encyclopaedia advises us to take, 'an emetic of a tablespoon of mustard in water, and douche the head in cold water.'

The Edwardian age (1901–1910), the last period of the English country house, was defined by its etiquette for those both upstairs and down. This "golden era" of gentility had answers to everything, and within these pages Cornelia Dobbs imparts her knowledge of the delicate affairs of housekeeping and how to keep you and yours shipshape. Discover the correct way to address tradesmen, how to produce a pomade against baldness, the best way to deal with gossip, and how to get a perfect shine on your glassware among many other indispensable gems in this Edwardian guide to life.