The Gentle Art of Domesticity

I had postponed reading this book for several years as I had been (as might be described in Jane Austen's Persuasion) “persuaded” by an older, more well-read (at least when it came to the subject of domestic arts) friend that the book was haphazard and inaccurate. On a holiday whim, I added it to my Amazon wishlist in hopes of a secondhand copy to test my friend's theory.

I've read just 50 pages or so and I feel vindicated to have bypassed the prejudices and given this book a chance.

Rather than attempting to be an all-encompassing history and cultural overview of all the facets of the “gentle arts”, this book is one well-read, well-educated, modern woman's perspectives and passions for the “home arts” – i.e. baking, sewing, quilting, gardening and knitting and such.

I find it hugely enjoyable and a book I will both share and covet (look out secondhand bookshops, I will need additional copies because I am keeping my edition). I can already think of several people who would enjoy this book and intend to refer back to it regularly for ideas and inspiration. I have already jotted lists of book recommendations, artists I would like to learn more about and even a few knitting projects and recipes I'd like to try.