WOMEN AND VICTORIAN VALUES, 1837-1910
Advice Books, Manuals and Journals for Women

Part 2: Sources from the Bodleian Library, Oxford

Schooling played a crucial role in the socialisation of girls, as can be seen in works like The nursery maid: Her duties and how to perform them (1839), Guide for governesses, English & Foreign (1875), Girls at home: a domestic economy reader for use in schools (1895) and Girls and their ways, by one who knows them (1881). Role models are given in Women of Worth (1859), and Women Adventurers (1893). There are also many examples of nursery literature including The mother’s picture alphabet (1862), The nursery treasure picture book of funny stories, good music and pretty rhymes by Mercie Sunshine (1883) and The mother’s book of song (1902).

Workhouses and women’s work (1858) reveals what life was like for the less fortunate in Victorian Society with six articles on the work performed by women at these institutions. Similarly informative is The working-classes, by a daughter of the people (1869). There are also valuable portrayals of women in the rope-making, confectionary and printing trades as well as in local government and in health care. A celebration of women’s progress is lavishly served up in the original souvenir programme for the Women’s Exhibition, Earl’s Court (1900).

Women’s Health comes to the fore in A hand-book of domestic medicine (1855), The mother’s medical adviser and guide for emergencies (1862), and The family physician (1878). These touch on many of the taboos of Victorian Society, notwithstanding advances in medical knowledge. The growing popularity of exercise for women is exemplified in a Series of Calisthenic and Hygenic Exercises (1854) which also emphasises correct posture. Women’s rights are argued for in A woman’s view of women’s rights (1867) and Women’s Suffrage Record (1903-1906), both of which are interesting sources relating to gender studies.