Product Description

Don'ts for Husbands and Don'ts for Wives are facsimile editions of the original books published by A&C Black in 1913. Each pocket-sized book contains hundreds of snippets of entertaining advice for a happy marriage, which rings true almost 100 years after they were written. The reissued titles are ideal Christmas stocking fillers, and gifts for weddings, engagements and anniversaries. Advice appears under the following chapters: 1. Personalities 2. How to Avoid Discord 3. Habits 4. Financial Matters 5. Evenings at Home 6. Jealousy 7. Recreation 8. Food 9. Dress 10. Entertaining 11. Household Management 12. Children 'Among the bon mots there is much wisdom. They would make great stocking fillers, or wedding anniversary gifts!' Good Book Guide (October 2007)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2119 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 80 pages

Review
'Words of wisdom for a happy marriage from nearly a century ago The advice comes from a set of guidebooks on marriage written on the eve of the First World War which are predicted to shoot to the top of the bestseller list. The somewhat old-fashioned 'Don'ts for Husbands and Wives' penned by Blanche Ebbutt in 1913 were first published at a time when women stayed at home while their husbands went out to work. Times have changed since then, but the advice could be considered as relevant today as ever.' Daily Mail, May 28, 2007 'Tips for a happy marriage published nearly a century ago look set to be a hit this year. The guidebooks are seen now as amusing and wise - and relevant in 2007.' Daily Express, May 29, 2007 '[The author's] wit and wisdom are set to find a new audience... [they] evoke a world where domestic servants were taken for granted and men viewed women as second-class citizens, to be patronised or set to work on domestic tasks. Wives receive sisterly instructions designed to make them the best possible partners for the flawed, often ridiculous men they have married.' The Times, May 28, 2007 'Today they are enough tomes about men being from Mars and weird rules of dating so it is expected that Blanche Ebbutt's oeuvre will provide more comedy value than useful advice. And yet there are eternal verities there There are plenty of gloriously retro bits about women censoring their men's socks and husbands learning to "lead" rather than "drive" their wives; but who could argue when Ebbutt says that there is an art in being married, and that you should not "exhaust your artistic power in getting married" but put some effort into staying that way What is required, Ebbutt hints from the grave, is simple niceness: be as considerate towards a life partner as towards a friend So, go on: clear up those pencil sharpenings, chaps. And women, tell Him Indoors that his hair looks nice. Can't hurt, can it?' Libby Purves, The Times, May 29, 2007 'Really charming but ultimately wise little books, great ad hoc wedding gifts and also very funny.' Matthew Perren, I-on (September 2007)

Daily Express, May 29, 2007
`Tips for a happy marriage published nearly a century ago look set
to be a hit this year. The guidebooks are seen now as amusing and wise -
and relevant in 2007.'

The Times, May 28, 2007
`[Don'ts for Husbands and Don't's for Wives] could become this
year's most unlikely bestseller... The books were published in 1913 and
remained in print for 20 years. [The author's] wit and wisdom are set to
find a new audience when the guides are reprinted by A&C Black as part of
the publisher's bicentenary celebrations. The guides evoke a world where
domestic servants were taken for granted and men viewed women as
second-class citizens, to be patronised or set to work on domestic tasks.
Wives receive sisterly instructions designed to make them the best possible
partners for the flawed, often ridiculous men they have married.'

Customer Reviews

Sweet little book
Bought this today, but finished it quickly, as it's quite tiny. However, I thought it was lovely - some bits were funny or quaint, but to disagree with the other reviewer, I thought a lot of the advise was actually still very good and worth thinking about.

Maybe not one for the feminists, but not as old-fashioned as you might think either; much of the advise is basically about treating your wife with respect and thoughtfulness (which I must say, I'd prefer to being treated as another man any day!). I can't wait to get started on the one for wives now :)

Hilarious!
Both books are very funny. To think that this was actually advice is the hilarious bit. Good fun!!