anyone want to discuss British history?

While it doesn't seem to be in print any longer (but is available used) I highly recommend A Medieval Home Companion: Housekeeping in the Fourteenth Century by Tania Bayard.

The book is translated from a 1393 manuscript written by an older French nobleman for his new, young wife.  With such chapter titles as: "The Right Kind of Eel", "Take Care That There Are No Fleas in Your Room or in Your Bed", and "Many Perils Come from Talking Too Much" it emcompasses the general care for an upper-class home, as well as how to conduct oneself correctly.

A fascinating read!

Me! I *love* Georgian history.    So much that I am sort of on George III's side about those pesky colonists 

If you're interested in 19th century (Victorian) history, try reading some novels - Mary Barton by Mrs Gaskell will tell you what life was like for the working classes in the newly industrialised north, Dickens' later novels give a picture of London life. There is also a brilliant website: http://www.victorianweb.org/.

I bookmarked the Victorian web, HME   thank you

also belindaloo, I found This Sceptred Isle, thanks

lots of reading to do!

The book is translated from a 1393 manuscript written by an older French nobleman for his new, young wife.  With such chapter titles as: "The Right Kind of Eel", "Take Care That There Are No Fleas in Your Room or in Your Bed", and "Many Perils Come from Talking Too Much" it emcompasses the general care for an upper-class home, as well as how to conduct oneself correctly.

That sounds great! I love stuff like that!!

I also have an old copy of Charles Dickens's "A Child's History of England." It's not actually written in a childish way, but it's clear and easy to understand. I'm not sure if it's still in print, but I recommend it! My copy has no publication date (I think a page has been torn out), but the inscription inside is dated 1898!

That sounds great! I love stuff like that!!

It's really interesting - you should try to find a copy.  Think I saw some used copies available on Amazon for around £1.

The Dickens book sound equally interesting... eBay, here I come!

While it doesn't seem to be in print any longer (but is available used) I highly recommend A Medieval Home Companion: Housekeeping in the Fourteenth Century by Tania Bayard.

The book is translated from a 1393 manuscript written by an older French nobleman for his new, young wife.  With such chapter titles as: "The Right Kind of Eel", "Take Care That There Are No Fleas in Your Room or in Your Bed", and "Many Perils Come from Talking Too Much" it emcompasses the general care for an upper-class home, as well as how to conduct oneself correctly.

A fascinating read!

Must get a copy of that.  Absolutely, absolutely, positively.

Liza Picard's books are also great reads.

Liza Picard's books are also great reads.

Thanks for the tip!  Just put in a hold request for Elizabeth's London at the library.

I looked for the Tania Bayard book on Amazon, but the only cheapie-cheapie copies available are shipped from the US -- so £6+ postage. Grrrr.....

I looked for the Tania Bayard book on Amazon, but the only cheapie-cheapie copies available are shipped from the US -- so £6+ postage. Grrrr.....

Phooey.  I did a quick check to make sure it was on Amazon in the UK but didn't look to see where the sellers were.  Sorry.

Thanks for the tip!  Just put in a hold request for Elizabeth's London at the library.

I just bought Restoration London (1660s) on Amazon!

I am interested in history -- I have the set of Simon Schama's History of Britain books but haven't got 'round to reading them yet, of course I'm sure that's more general & comprehensive (vs focusing on a particular time period & aspect of history).  Currently, I am reading Schama's book Rough Crossings, but that's more American/British history concerning the American Revolution & its aftermath & each country's approach/philosopy at the time as to slavery.

(My US univ degree was in American history -- with feminist/social/cultural/labor history leanings.  But I graduated like 10+ years ago now so readily admit to being rusty.)

I just bought Restoration London (1660s) on Amazon!

I have Restoration London, Elizabeth's London, and Dr. Johnson's London, and I could swear I saw Victoria's London at a Waterstone's, but didn't buy it at the time and haven't seen it since. 

Judith Flanders wrote a books called The Victorian Home which was also really good if you're into the Victorians.

I have Restoration London, Elizabeth's London, and Dr. Johnson's London, and I could swear I saw Victoria's London at a Waterstone's, but didn't buy it at the time and haven't seen it since. 

Judith Flanders wrote a books called The Victorian Home which was also really good if you're into the Victorians.

I have a copy of Victorian London: The Life of a City 1840-1870 by Liza Picard! It wasn't my favourite of hers but it was still very good. The paperback will be out in May or June (I've just pre-ordered at work but I can't remember which month it was for).

While it doesn't seem to be in print any longer (but is available used) I highly recommend A Medieval Home Companion: Housekeeping in the Fourteenth Century by Tania Bayard.

The book is translated from a 1393 manuscript written by an older French nobleman for his new, young wife.  With such chapter titles as: "The Right Kind of Eel", "Take Care That There Are No Fleas in Your Room or in Your Bed", and "Many Perils Come from Talking Too Much" it emcompasses the general care for an upper-class home, as well as how to conduct oneself correctly.

A fascinating read!

I *must* get a copy of this!! Wow!