Keeping Downton Abbey Running Smoothly: Mrs. Beeton's Book

No doubt both Mrs Hughes and the Countess of Grantham from Downton Abbey  had copies of Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.

Mrs. Beeton's book, first published in the 1860's in Great Britain, dealt with all aspects of running a household- recipes, cleaning, caring for the sick and dealing with servants.

I got my own copy of Mrs. Beeton's book at an auction last week.  No doubt it will aid in the smooth operation of my three bedroom suburban ranch home.

That recipe for Ox Cheek Soup I've been looking for.

... and General Observations on Pudding and Pastry.

I do love this book for two reasons- one, it gives such insight into the day to day life of the Victorian age- mostly the wealthly, but the beginning of the middle class, and two, the illustrations and color plates.

Here's a scan of one of them.

It looks like it's a picture of those yummy puddings, doesn't it?  But no...actually it's Chartreuse of Partridge, Pigeon Pie, Pig's Feet with Truffle and other assorted dishes of fowl.

Somehow those Victorians even managed to make vegetables look romantic.

The text of a lot of Mrs. Beeton's can be found here.

But I really like my original, falling apart, coverless version.

In the same stack with Mrs. Beeton's was another beautiful but tattered book.  Crown Jewels has worn edges and is held together with tape- but look inside.

A beautiful presentation page.

Beautiful fonts and graphics.

And beautiful engravings.

Yes, it's held together with tape, but when you open it, you don't see the tape- just the old and pretty.

Crown Jewels is for sale in my Etsy shop.

Mrs. Beeton's will be for sale as soon as I try that Ox Cheek Soup.

 

Comments

[Dawn Edmonson]

Hi sweetie!!! I love this!!! But Ox Cheek Soup? Doesn't sound too appetizing to me....but you DO find the best stuff Beth! Thank you so much for my treasures...that reminds me, I think I need to leave you positive feedback on Etsy! Can't wait to meet you girl...hugs and love, Dawn

[Charlotte]

I had fun reading your recent posts. Blogging is a very useful forum for musing out loud. I like the way you muse. Charlotte

[Julia - Vintage with Laces]

Hi Beth, So you have no plans to try the pig's feet with truffles, lol? I guess you won't sell the book till you have given all the comprising information to your domestic staff and not to forget the coachman ;-).
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Julia

[Lululiz]

Victorian cooks certainly knew how to present food, gosh, those pies etc look absolutely stunning.

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

mmmmm Ox Cheek soup. I must notice an Ox's cheek next time I see one:-)

[jeanie]

You find a lo of good stuff that gets to me, but Mrs. Beaton's is the best. Ever. I love those classic cookbooks and that's the mother of all cookbooks! Those "pie" illustrations -- wow! Oh, really -- DO try the soup (or something!) I'd love to hear if the recipes actually work these days!

Salivating on a snowy morning... (Let me know when this goes online. Probably won't be able to afford it... but I might!)