Common Sense in the Household: A Manual of Practical Housewifery
Marion Harland
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
This is a practical guide to running a household in 1883. Marion Harland not only walks us through a number of important topics such as how to select and manage servants and organise a dinner party (best engage a good caterer), but also includes a number of recipes. Even today's listeners may find a new favourite dish among the recipes contained in this volume. - Summary by Carolin (15 hr 33 min)
Chapters
| Introductory of Revised Edition | 3:14 | Read by Dusty Brailsford |
| Familiar Talk with my Fellow-Housekeeper and Reader | 25:13 | Read by Foon |
| Soups - Vegetable Soups | 17:20 | Read by VelmaCariss |
| Soups - Meat Soups | 19:10 | Read by VelmaCariss |
| Soups - Fish Soups | 9:33 | Read by VelmaCariss |
| Fish | 35:31 | Read by BettyB |
| Shell-Fish | 23:00 | Read by BettyB |
| Poultry | 32:56 | Read by Jude Somers |
| Meats | 18:36 | Read by BettyB |
| Mutton and Lamb | 10:14 | Read by Foon |
| Veal | 27:32 | Read by BettyB |
| Pork | 22:30 | Read by Linda Burke |
| Pork - Sausage and Ham | 25:35 | Read by BettyB |
| Company | 12:16 | Read by ADKreader |
| Game - Venison | 17:19 | Read by Nemo |
| Game - Rabbits or Hares | 8:18 | Read by Nemo |
| Game - Squirrels | 4:12 | Read by Nemo |
| Game - Pheasants, Partridges, Quails Grouse, etc. | 8:48 | Read by Nemo |
| Game - Wild Ducks and Wild Turkey | 5:51 | Read by Nemo |
| Game - Small Birds | 4:34 | Read by Nemo |
| Sauces for Meat and Fish | 15:52 | Read by Kathleen Moore |
| Catsups and Flavored Vinegars | 13:43 | Read by Kathleen Moore |
| Salads | 17:56 | Read by Kathleen Moore |
| Vegetables - Potatoes | 16:40 | Read by Kathleen Moore |
| Vegetables - Cabbage | 7:25 | Read by Kathleen Moore |
| Vegetables - Cauliflower, etc. | 13:16 | Read by TracyB |
| Vegetables - Onions, etc. | 21:44 | Read by TracyB |
| Vegetables - Beans, Rice, etc. | 25:27 | Read by TracyB |
| Eggs | 20:08 | Read by BettyB |
| Milk, Butter, Cheese, etc. | 12:05 | Read by BettyB |
| Bread | 28:13 | Read by BettyB |
| Bread - Rolls and Biscuit | 16:54 | Read by BettyB |
| Bread - Muffins | 5:31 | Read by Claudia Salto |
| Bread - Corn Bread | 10:58 | Read by BettyB |
| Bread - Griddle-Cakes, Waffles, etc. | 13:05 | Read by BettyB |
| Cake | 31:14 | Read by BettyB |
| Cookies, etc. | 20:23 | Read by BettyB |
| Pies | 32:38 | Read by BettyB |
| Servants | 23:25 | Read by MaryAnn |
| Puddings, part 1 | 23:47 | Read by MaryAnn |
| Puddings, part 2 | 24:19 | Read by MaryAnn |
| Fritters, Pancakes, etc. | 7:26 | Read by BettyB |
| Sweet, or Pudding Sauces | 9:02 | Read by BettyB |
| Custards, Blanc-Mange, Jellies, and Creams | 30:58 | Read by BettyB |
| Ice-cream and other Ices | 15:57 | Read by BettyB |
| Ripe Fruit for Dessert | 6:10 | Read by Piotr Nater |
| Preserves and Fruit Jellies - Preserves | 22:44 | Read by ADKreader |
| Preserves and Fruit Jellies - Fruit Jellies | 5:35 | Read by ADKreader |
| Canned Fruits and Vegetables | 8:01 | Read by BettyB |
| Brandied Fruits and Candies | 3:14 | Read by BettyB |
| Pickles | 19:46 | Read by BettyB |
| Drinks | 18:26 | Read by Piotr Nater |
| The Sick-Room | 29:44 | Read by MaryAnn |
| The Nursery | 9:34 | Read by sunshinealways |
| Sundries | 20:48 | Read by BettyB |
Reviews
Reader, Beware
Phxjennifer
This 19th century cookbook has a few traps for the unwary. For instance, all of the vegetable soups are based on some type of meat stock, All of the vegetables are way overcooked by 21st century standards, There are a lot of fish recipes and not many beef, Most cleaning tips involve toxic chemicals, More custard variations than you can imagine, The author is passionate about fresh-caught fish, swooning over the "royal robe" displayed by a perfectly presented trout, There really is no advice about "housewifery" except for managing caring for sick people at home; it's all cooking. But I enjoyed it!