Mrs. Salisbury's Stove

This week, my kitchen dearies, I’ll share a recipe. This is my most famous and most delicious beef steak pie, eaten by generations of the B---- family, made by my mother and her mother before for family and service alike. Enjoy, poppets!

For your beef steak pie

Steaks you must, of course, buy.

Only the finest of cuts

A shoulder, a loin, perhaps even butt

On a board lay them flat.

Beat them well with a pin.

Salt and pepper – add that!

To your tastes be they seasoned.

Make a good crust.

If you can’t then you must

Leave the kitchen this minute;

No fools allowed in it.

Lay that crust in a pan.

Fill with water – half full.

Place the steak in by hand.

More seas’ning! (never dull)

Add one tablespoon butter right into the dish.

(one spoonful more if you like your pie rich)

Some parsley, some thyme, added right in.

Lay down the crust, to cover the tin.

Bake one hour, or two

Depends on what size you’ve got.

Don’t dally, just chew,

It’s best while it’s hot!

Correspondence Etiquette

Although I presume that the majority of our readers have the ability to correspond gracefully through letters, I do not find it amiss to offer a few reminders of habits in writing that are considered bad form. I shall refer frequently to the highly informative book “Good Form” in England.

First, it is ill-mannered not to mention the name of a recipient in a letter’s address. Simply calling someone a friend is not enough. The actual name of the person you are writing to absolutely has to be included. Similarly, letters should not be signed using titles, including “Mrs.” Only your actual name should be used.

I have encountered the occasional lady who, though possessing great intelligence, fails to use proper spelling and grammar in her personal letters. No matter what the level of formality is, proper use of language is indispensable.

Some may be surprised to hear that including an R.S.V.P. on invitations is certainly not proper. It is actually offensive because it suggests that the recipient does not have the manners to respond without being told to do so. It is much better to demonstrate through invitations that you think highly of your friends.

An American Physician: Elizabeth Garret Anderson

Elizabeth Garret Anderson, the first American woman physician, has founded the New Hospital for Women in London. Anderson’s close friend and mentor, Elizabeth Blackwell, assists Anderson as a professor of gynecology. Anderson expresses the difficulties of trying to make it in the medical field as a woman. Anderson is determined to pave the way for women and pass an act permitting women to enter medical professions. 

A Dress Befitting A Refined Lady

The next time someone has the courtesy to invite you to a ball, make sure that you are properly doffed up in an extravagant dress made to perfectly accentuate your feminine lavishness! Whether it’s the latest muslin imports, a heavenly tarlatan, or the purest white lace your eyes have ever laid upon, you absolutely must be keeping with the times! No lady should dare go to a party wearing what she has worn when she was not yet mature! So go to your nearest tailor, and get your new dress this hour!

The Two Strongholds

           A good and true gentleman ought to be a reflection of his house. The two ought to echo one another. Take, for example, the Gothic homes outside of London. They are much like a man of our time should be. Both are simple, yet elegant and refined on the outside. But on the inside, we find them to be simple, yet elegant and refined. And like the layout of the House, so should the mind of a man be organized. At the top of the house, at the surface, one should keep one’s family. This is the priority of any good man and the surface should reflect the health and financial well-being of the family and home. Of course, below, in the pockets (and pocketbooks) are the real matters of money, the servants, the running of the house. Those things should indeed be kept below, not visible to all who pass. After all, a good man must keep his family’s air of simple elegance intact without ever seeming like a braggart.  

Seeking Position as a Maid

To whom it may concern,

     I have long been searching for a position as a lady’s maid. My tale is a sad one, for I was dismissed from my former position without reason. How ardently I cared for my lady! How fervently I sought her best interests! I was treated with the most despicable ingratitude and was heartlessly replaced by a young gulping fool. I wish to serve as I did previously. I only ask that someone give me a chance. Anyone who does would never regret the decision, for a better servant could not be found if one searched the entire world a thousand times. I can assure you that I would be wholeheartedly devoted to any lady I serve.

         Sincerely,

             Mademoiselle Hortense

Victorian Did You Know

       Did you know that servants in Victorian times used parts of the house that were specifically designed to be used by them alone? Maids and servants used special back staircases, while the family and guests used the main staircase. Maids were expected to work invisibly, that is perform duties while the family was asleep or tend to a room that was not meant to be used at the time. Most maids didn’t even see any of the family members that they worked for in their years of service. In a sense, these servants were the ghosts of the house, keeping it impeccably clean and prepared without anyone acknowledging their individual existence.

'The Very Model of a Modern Major' Musical

The collaboration of Librettist W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan in the comic opera of The Pirates of Penzance was truly brilliant! Llewellyn Cadwaladr, as Fredic, fit the role perfectly and emphasized the difficulties in the life of pirates. The Pirates of Penzance is about a young man named Fredric who is released from his apprenticeship to a band of pirates. Fredric falls in love with the daughter of Major-General Stanley, Mabel, but then tragically has to remain an apprentice for 63 years.  Will Fredric and Mabel be together in the end or will the pirate life take Fredric captive forever?  

Portrait of an Artist: Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys

As a small contribution to our readers’ vast array of knowledge about the arts, I am pleased to provide a brief introduction to a current and worthy artist. Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys is not a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, but his works seem to be Pre-Raphaelite in nature. Although Sandys is the creator of several lovely paintings and chalk drawings, he is gaining much fame for his pen-drawings. Any observer of his artwork will surely appreciate his vivid use of color. The works of Sandys portray a wide span of emotions. In his artwork, men are shown to be strong, while women are shown to be gentle. The beautiful works of this up-and-coming artist are not to be missed.

Queen Eleanor, 1858

My Good Position in Service

     I am a maid. That is all I am. Perhaps the only place I will ever be is in service. I like being a maid. I’m suited for the strong work. It’s a good position. My master and mistress make up a respectable family, and they are kind, if distant, people. I wouldn’t want to lose my position… but what if I left?

     I wash; I clean; I make fires; I help in the kitchen. What other jobs can there be in the world? My sister left service for a factory two years ago, and I was ashamed she would abandon a good position at a good house. But her life sounds wonderful from what she writes – or better than mine, at least. For every 80 hours a week I do of back-breaking work, she performs but a mere 56 of the same factory work over and over. My sister speaks often of her worker friends. I’m quite lonely here. There’s Cook and there’s her ladyship’s lady maid and some footmen. But this is a lonely life. I don’t know if I have a true friend. But it’s a good position. No one should leave such a good post. Right?

Furnish Your Home with Elegance

Renee’s Catalogue of Elegant Victorian Furniture,
sent free by post.

“Great selection of unique and exquisite furniture at unbelievable prices!” – Sir  Leicester

Renee’s Catalogue of Elegant Victorian Furniture has just opened and is located on Cursitor Street directly across from Sol’s Arms Tavern. The furniture features handmade details suitable for anyone. This sophisticated furniture comes in several different designs including brass, iron, walnut and mahogany. Its comfort and ease will brighten any foggy day.

Come in and stop by, 199 Cursitor Street.

Lavish Lavatory

Make sure to flourish your house with the latest bathroom innovations! Guests will positively gasp with awe as they marvel at your new tub. To let people know how important and powerful you are, make sure to install a brand new toilet in the most impeccable place. Not only will the world know just how elegant you are, it will also provide endless hours of comfort and pleasure in your house. Renovate quickly!

For Sale

            In the country, a quite lovely manor near Godwicke, in Norfolk for sale, overlooking the 14 acre of pasture attached to the estate, specifics are seen on the  Bill of Sale. This 12 bedroom homestead includes an exquisite dining room with a decorated front and back parlor. The long drawing room faces the east. Lavish dressing rooms coordinate alongside a charming sitting room. A suitable kitchen equipped with a fairly recent replaced range, maid chambers included. A barn is in back for livestock of sorts. Two cow and a swine with chicken allow adequate bounty for the table. Previous tenant was unable to fund such an astute homestead with monthly payments. Bill of sale will take none less than 5,000 Euro for purchase; rent will be about a yearly based price of 2,750 Euro. Interested individuals should contact Mr. Fibbersome. His information is provided at the address of this paper.

Dosh Labor

     Today was yet another day of turmoil. It was a 6s week once more. I get to stay at Dean Street House caused I work as the maid. My sum was fixed. Needling point all night long, the range kept me warm through the 18 hour day. The wage is too less. Not earning near the expected 40 Euro year fusses me. I need to find a new work. No longer can I do duty to my house and Ladyship. I am much tired and weary of these terms. Housekeeper Rouncewell ain’t making me stay. I use to taking care of many rooms and stoves found inside them rooms. The Tireless to me duties, change need to be ‘round soon.  The Lord be helpin’ me during my struggle. For other work is near.

By: Charley Worndsout (Michelle McWilliams)

Michelle McWilliams Response 1

Having the opportunity to read through some excerpts in All the Year Round and Household Words, the two periodicals Dickens edited was quite an experience. Just being in the Rare Books Room was eventful in itself. I did not know Loras’ had such a room and housed such a great selection of artifacts.  The environment as a whole made me feel very important for even being allowed in. The old chairs with high green-covered backs reminded me of an earlier period in time. It was all very unreal. To be reading a through a book that was made over a hundred years ago it outrageous. The opportunity will surely be one that I never forget.

            When perusing in the two periodicals I found many topics, fiction and non to be very comical, in the context that I live in the 21^st century my perspective is obviously viewing this differently than the old perspective of the present during the Victorian era. What interested me about Victorians was there inclusion of non-fiction and fiction stories all compiled together in the pages. I found the index helpful. In a magazine today I have a hard time figuring out what stories are where. When working on my research for the course it has proved to be very beneficial in terms of finding a certain type of excerpt.  Not only is it helpful, but it shows what the Victorians interest were. Clothing, furniture, and household appliances/objects like the toilet were advertised really well. The stories sometimes alluded to events taking place during that time as well or other interests of the Victorians. Also the fiction right beside and below the non-fiction was refreshing! That element kept the periodical exciting, varied and a great read because of that such purpose. All the excerpts seem to be witty and creative. With a satirical Victorian humor tied in it was not to enjoy reading all he excerpts.

            Out of the many excerpts my favorite one that definitely caught my eye the most was Suggestions From a Maniac dated February 13^th, 1864 on page 9 in Vol. XI of All the Year Round. The introduction was fiction at its finest. It allowed for a plot to be developed and unfolded in a few pages. The topic in Suggestions From a Maniac focuses on a manuscript, which is very coincidental in terms of how the periodical has to come about. After reading a good chunk of Bleak House so far in the course I can see the parallel that Charles Dickens edited these stories. It seems that many had his style of writing and the elaborate detail never fell short. The line in the short story that describes “A stout-good- natured-looking personage, with bushy whiskers, and dressed in a shooting jacket: who handed the package in with a grin and remark ‘You often won’t get anything like that, I’ll be bound!” In that line I see the detail scream Dickens may have been involved in changing part of the story along with the play on words by saying bound as in the manuscript will be bound it is so wonderful.

            In conclusion I found the whole experience to be very different and exciting to be able to utilize the Rare Books Room. Reading an original periodical is rewarding experience because you get to see the original context. I also found it ironic that pictures and advertisements where in the front. It was an interesting decision to have it be that way. Capitalism has now taken over even more lives that it is hard to not even read a story without referencing some type of name-brand object.  The opportunity to read something that took place in such an area where things weren’t as prevalent is uplifting to the Victorian way of life. Although many connections can be made to the social class and exploitation of individuals that takes place still to this day, it is nice to be able to compare and contrast the generational progress made even in the periodicals from earlier ones to the later written ones.

*Included below is a copy of the comical story that caught my eye.

Nino Erba Response 1

On Wednesday, half of the “Bleak House in Context” class went into the Rare Books Room of the library to look at entries of All the Year Round and Household Words, two weekly publications that Charles Dickens edited, conducted, and contributed to. What made the experience memorable was a combination of being in the Rare Books Room and reading the content of those publications.

            What makes the Rare Books Room a fairly daunting experience is that the room has an air about it that makes you scared to speak or move around in fear that you’ll break something. The chairs provided are very ornate and old; the publications are from the 19^th century, so the books they are in are not only old but fragile, which makes you quite reserved about going the book in fear that you might tear the pages or damage the book. The table was very beautifully painted. Everything in the room is meant to be treated with care, but you’re almost scared to do anything because of the fragility and importance of everything. As you read the publications, you are more conscientious than you normally would be, going through the brittle browned pages with much care and awareness. Being in the Rare Books Room is a great privilege.

            That also extends to reading the material, though it’s more puzzling. Dickens was a very good writer, and some of the stories published pull you in with their subject matter and quality of writing. However, his organization leaves something to be desired. The pieces run all over the map in no particular order, going from non-fiction to fiction to poetry and everything in between. The Victorians did not seem to mind because the pieces catered to their tastes. Sometimes, a piece would hit the jackpot, like a story in the Jan. 11, 1862 issue of All the Year Round titled “Word About Servants” (see image below) that examined relationships amongst servants and like-minded subjects, including that “Servants of the present day are a very different class from the servants of a century ago…” (p. 368). In addition, Victorians were much interested in the poetry and stories about Australia at the time.

            There is no doubt that Dickens was an excellent contributor to Victorian society and English literature. However, cautiously looking through the old publications of All the Year Round and Household Words show that not everything he touched turned to gold. The organization of his issues pales in comparison to the streamlined structure of today’s newspapers and magazines.

Renee Pruente Response 1

The opportunity to explore All the Year Round and Household Words has allowed me to connect to the Victorians. At first I was a bit overwhelmed and not quite sure where to begin my search. I began to look at the index until something interesting caught my eye.  Each page I turned, I handled delicately. I was very nervous I was going to tear the pages. The books had a rough texture and smelled like musk.  Each book had its own persona and character. The binding of the book were very interesting. Whether the bindings were half-leather or not, I felt as if these books were made with great care.   

I really enjoyed reading in the Rare Book Room because I feel as if the importance of books has decreased over time. In today’s society it has become common to read books with the help of technology or audio books. In my opinion holding a book and psychically turning the pages of a book adds to the experience. The Rare Book Room was a very interesting place to read a book. All the room itself was small, it made the reading situation cozy. The togetherness made it feel as if we were a family within our house. I almost felt as if I were in the Jellyby’s house feeling cramp from all the people.  

            I began to explore topics of interest including monsters, Indian servants, and houses. As I began to read the context, I was noticed the language used was long and confusing. I found myself rereading sentences in order to try and understand the meaning. From what I noticed, many of the stories were very satirical. At first it took a while to understand the satire but once I had understood it the stories became very funny. As I was reading about monsters in Africa, I can up with the idea for the e-periodical. I plan on writing a piece on the monsters in Africa in perspective of Mrs. Jellyby. The article will address the situation and ask the readers to help the African fight the monsters. Winthin Household Words, I found an ad for a restaurant. It was very interesting to see the prices of each item. Most ideas happened to be one penny, while some were two. 

Bobby Bauch Response 1

            The experience of handling and reading the copies of All the Year Round was quite unlike anything I’ve ever experienced while reading. Certainly these books are the oldest that I’ve ever held in my hand or read from. The quality of the pages alone made the readings interesting. The best way I can think to describe the pages and the book as a whole would be “dusty”. They just had quite an old feeling to them. The pages in this book – specifically I looked at Volume VIII from September, 1862 to February 1863 – seem sturdy for their age yet extremely sensitive to the touch. I don’t think I have ever handled the pages of a book so delicately or turned them so slowly. This way of reading and handling the book added to the antique feeling of the whole experience.

            The layout is something I’m entirely unused too here in the 21^st century. In some ways it reads like a newspaper in that things are broken into articles. But, the juxtaposition of genres is the unique thing about All the Year Round. As I was examining the volume that I had, I came across a piece of poetry directly after what would probably best be called a work of literary journalism. There were actually many poems incorporated into the text. It was very interesting to transition from narrative to opinion to journalism to poetry! Specifically, I read the poem “A ‘Mercenary’ Marriage”.  It is a poem about a man who marries his love. He has riches and money, but he says that she is the mercenary because he loves her so much and she is the one who was good enough to give him her love and her beauty. Interestingly enough, this comes just after a journalistic narrative on family life.

            I turned to a page in the volume and began to read a journalistic piece on cotton and titled “The State ad Prospects of Cotton” which seemed boring so I was about to find another story to read when I flipped to the next page. When I did there was a plant in the book! It looked like someone had put it in there to press the plant to preserve it. I obviously have no idea when it was put there or by whom, but it was still very interesting. It very much added to the history and intrigue of the book itself. A piece of a plant added into a piece on the state of a crop was very interesting.

            Incorporated into the periodicals are also advertisements. There are pages and pages of ads laid out in very strange manners. Some are right side up, some are sideways. It very much reminded me of ads before a YouTube video

Amanda McKenna Response 1

Victorian Themes from the Rare Books Room

            Even the 1980’s can seem like a distant part of history to me because I was never alive in that decade. The past sometimes feels very far away because I have never experienced it beyond my own lifespan. I often wonder what it would have been like to live in different time periods. It is interesting to think about, but, of course, I can never really know. I have found, though, that reading books from other eras is a wonderful way to bring the past into the present. My experience in the Rare Books room has strengthened this understanding.  I was thrilled to be able to look through the original copies of Victorian periodicals. The pieces I found in All the Year Round and Household Words helped me to learn more about who the Victorians were.

            First, I looked at a story called “Happy as a Princess” in Volume V of All the Year Round. The book itself was covered partly in dark brown leather and partly in a print that was similar to animal print. The story begins by highlighting the benefits of the life of a princess. It is a highly idealistic portrait of royalty. It says, “Who would not be a princess, to live always on cakes, and fruits, and bonbons…to be married to a young king, as beautiful as Love, and as amiable as he is beautiful? ‘As happy as a princess!’ What female imagination can go beyond that?” The story goes on to detail the miserable life a princess named Charlotte. The ending is far bleaker than the beginning. It argues that royalty appear happy to the public, but their lives are just as difficult as those of ordinary people. It closes with, “’Happy as a princess?—Happy as a victim; free as a captive; cherished as an enemy. These were the conditions of Princess Charlotte’s life.” I noticed that this story is a good example of the realism of the Victorians. It would have appealed to the middle-class readership of this periodical because it showed common people that they should not envy those who appear to have better lives.

            In Household Words Volume XV, I came across an article called “Manners Made to Order.” Many people probably that that the Victorian standards of manners are silly and arbitrary. However, reading this article made me very impressed with the Victorians’ good sense, wit, and balanced approach to examining different ideas. I was surprised to see that even some Victorians said, “Chivalry is dead.” The article criticizes those who think “that all which has gone before, is better than all which actually exists.”  The writer accepts that manners change over time, and wishes to avoid the rigidity of those who want to set “laws of politeness” in stone. However, the opposite extreme of laxity is also rejected. The article satirically looks at an American etiquette book, which some English people appear to find quite strict. The article says, “When this severity reaches the climax of forbidding ladies the satisfaction of picking their teeth…it is time to protest against a primness worthy of the age of the Fourteenth Louis.” The article suggests that even though manners can change over time, there are some concepts which must be kept in place. The writer has a very creative way of showing the downsides to both extremes of opinion concerning manners.

            Overall, I found in the Rare Books room an interesting way of understanding the past. This is something of great value to me, for I do not want to live in a vacuum, looking only to the present day. The Victorians had an insatiable curiosity about the world around them, which I admire very much. Too many people are complacent, failing to search for the truth. Reading some Victorian articles caused me to think about certain ideas in a way that I would not have otherwise. I especially like reading about etiquette, apparently a matter of some controversy, because it made me feel like I was jumping into the debate that took place in that age.