The Glory of Woman: Prescriptive Literature, 1810 - 1819

The American Lady's Preceptor: a compilation of observations, essays and poetical effusions... Baltimore: Published by Edward J. Coale, 1810. E #870

"A compilation of observations, essays and poetical effusions, designed to direct the female mind in the course of pleasing and instructive reading." E, ED, N, PA

Burton, John. Lectures on Female Education and Manners. Baltimore: Published by Samuel Jefferis, 1811. E #1415

Burton discusses beauty, manners, feminine accomplishments, and the responsibilities of wives, mothers, and daughters: "It is [your parents'] duty to support your honour. It is yours to follow their advice...". E, M, MO

Ewell, Thomas. Letters to Ladies, Detailing Important Information, Concerning Themselves and Infants. Philadelphia: Printed for the author, 1817. E #2176

This book addresses women's and children's health, featuring an instructive section on "the services [women] should direct, superintend, or perform for each other at births, to supersede the necessity of men midwives." H, MO

The Female Instructor or, Young Woman's Companion. Liverpool: Nuttall, Fisher, and Dixon, [1815]. E #18822

This "guide to all the accomplishments which adorn the female character" includes recipes, poetry, biographical sketches, and instruction in grammar, prayer, marriage, motherhood, and housekeeping. C, D, E, ED, F, M, MO, R

Grant, Anne MacVicar. Sketches of Intellectual Education: and hints on domestic economy, addressed to mothers. Baltimore: E.J. Cole, 1813. E 12mo #6165

"Ease of body, and tranquility of mind, with a considerable degree of freedom and indulgence, are favourable to every attainment of which the wisest and tenderest parents can wish their children possessed." D, ED, MO

Hughes, Mrs. (Mary). The Orphan Girl: a moral tale founded on facts. London: William Darton, 1819. E 12mo #6328

"'You see...how much it is in the power of a poor helpless orphan to gain the esteem and respect of all around her. Let this also be a lesson, to convince you that vice scarcely ever, even in this world, goes unpunished, and that virtue is almost equally certain of meeting its reward.'" CH, N, R

Smith, Mrs. The Female Economist, or, A Plain System of Cookery. London: Printed for Mathews and Leigh, 1810. E 12mo #6146

This cookery book "[furnishes] the young housekeeper with a considerable number of receipts...; [points] out the best method of preparing those things which are frequently wanted in a family; and [enables] her to render them agreeable to the palate, consistently with the rules of economy and frugality." C

Taylor, Mrs. (Ann Martin). Correspondence Between a Mother and her Daughter at School. New York: W. B. Gilley, 1818. E G464C

In a series of fictional letters, a mother advises her 15-year-old daughter on subjects such as friendship, piety, gratitude, and dress. E, ED, MO, R

Taylor, Mrs. (Ann Martin). Practical Hints to Young Females, on the Duties of a Wife, a Mother, and a Mistress of a Family. London: Taylor, 1815. E 12mo #6202

"Happy the female whose education has united with natural talent to form so important a character as that of the mistress of a family; and unhappy she, who, possessing neither of these advantages, has the temerity to undertake a task to which she is altogether incompetent." D, M, MO

Subject Guide

Throughout this bibliography, these subject letter codes are used to identify works relating to a particular topic. The guide is displayed at the bottom of each page.

• About the Center
• Finding Materials
• Subject Guides
• News and Events
• Research Grants
• Visiting the Center
• Newsletters
• Collections Overview
• Contact Us