Common Sense in the Household: A Manual of Practical Housewifery

"Common Sense in the Household: A Manual of Practical Housewifery" by Marion Harland is a practical guide written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on housewifery, particularly providing recipes and advice for housekeepers to manage their households efficiently. With a tone of camaraderie, Harland addresses her fellow housewives, offering insights born from personal experience, aiming to empower them in their domestic duties. The opening of the manual introduces the reader to the author's relatable approach, as she invites conversation and shares her own challenges as a housekeeper. Harland expresses the frustrations many women face regarding household management, suggesting that practical knowledge and skills in the kitchen are essential, regardless of educational background. Emphasizing common sense and methodical practice, she entertains the idea that while cooking may seem daunting, developing confidence and practical skills can lead to a rewarding and successful domestic life. The introductory section sets the stage for the collection of recipes and insights that will empower women to navigate their responsibilities with greater ease and expertise. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Virginia Terhune, also known by her penname Marion Harland, was an American author who was prolific and bestselling in both fiction and non-fiction genres. Born in Amelia County, Virginia, she began her career writing articles at the age of 14, using various pennames until 1853, when she settled on Marion Harland. Her first novel Alone was published in 1854 and became an "emphatic success" following its second printing the next year. For fifteen years she was a prolific writer of best-selling women's novels, classified then as "plantation fiction", as well as writing numerous serial works, short stories, and essays for magazines.