Old Style Inspiration Books

Primrose

Agree with msb5262 about Rose Elliott's cookery books. She has some unusual and interesting recipes which are very satisfying without meat, which is nearly always the most costly part of the meal. If you're not used to cooking with pulses, becoming familiar with them will certainly help to reduce your food budget without you feeling deprived.

longtermlurker_2

My mum gave me a book yesterday that had belonged to my Great Grandmother and has been passed down. It is called The Best Way and was published in 1916. It's about (really) old style coking and cleaning. It's falling apart but it's fascinating.
It's amazing how many things in there are still used on here such as cleaning windows with newspaper.

One of my favourites is titled A Novel Cradle and it advises

Instead of having a cradle which, as a rule, is in the way, fix in the recess by the fireplace a shelf about eighteen inches wide, two feet from the floor; then fix a board about twelve inches wide in front to keep the baby from falling out. With a pillow placed inside this makes a warm, comfortable bed, and is free from draughts. When awake, the baby can see all that is going on and is good for hours. The board in front can be painted or stained to match the furniture.

If anyone has any ancient stlye questions just ask and I will check in my book.:rotfl:

Frugalista

Sounds fascinating - you'll have to post some more little snippets for us - any recipes we could use?:D

JenniO

I think I may have found it 'for free' on Google Books.

http://books.google.com/books?id=gtbH0AJ_g_AC&pg=PA1&dq=The+Best+Way&hl=en&ei=fo1ETNq5Icvi4gb_q9nHDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result#v=onepage&q&f=false

funkymonkey849

Page 51 - brain rissoles for breakfast anyone? :eek:

Seriously though, some fab recipes in there - especially for using up leftovers

maryb

I love this one -

Weariness
If you are very tired in the afternoon, loosen your clothes and lie down in a darkened room.

They needed telling??

mardatha

I've got this book too, is yours a dark red cover LTL ?

zippychick

Hi LTL

I've merged this with the Old Style inspiration books, so others can see all the suggestions together
thanks
Zip

Primrose

I have a paperback trilogy written by a French writer called Claude Michelet which has been translated into English, about the hardships and changing life of a French farming family in rural France over the last century and through two World Wars. They're available here if you hunt for them, but read them in date order to make sense of them. They show that the hardships of farming & rural life are very much the same, whatever country you live in.

Book 1. Firelight and Woodsmoke Published by Orion ISBN 1-85797-410-7
Book 2. Scent of Herbs Orion ISBN - 1-85797-402-6
Book 3. Applewood Orion ISBN 1-85797-485-9

j.e.j.

My local library has the first and last of the trilogy, - think i might give it a read

I find reading Nella Last's diaries inspiring, the lady sounded like an amazing cook. (Sorry if she's been mentioned already, I've not read all the pages of this thread) There's a new one of hers coming out in October.