"Every Interesting Point that Regards Life and Manners"
So long ago that the original cover and title pages are missing this ambitious volume appeared, a book which gives so many useful hints on housekeeping, dress and adornment, advice on servants, to on the choice of husbands, matrimonial engagements, history, geography, religion and the like that one cannot understand why the woman question Still remains unanswered.
The change worked in a century, for this book was published in 1818, is well illustrated by this extract from the specimens of letter-writing From a Young Lady to her Father, acquainting him with a Proposal of Marriage made to her.
Honoured Sir:
As young Mr. Lovewell, whose father, I am sensible, is one of your intimate acquaintance, has, during your absence in the country, made an, open declaration of his passion for me, and pressed me closely to comply with his overtures of marriage, I thought it my duty to decline all offers of that nature, however advantageous they may seem to be, till I had your thoughts on so important an altair, and I am absolutely determined either to discourage his addresses, or to keep him at least in suspense, till your return, as I shall be directed by your superior judgement. I beg leave, however, with due submission, to acquaint you of the idea I, have entertained of him, and hope I am not too blind, nor partial in his favour. He seems to me to be_ perfectly honourable in his intentions, and to be nowise inferior to any gentleman of my acquaintance hitherto, in regard to good sense of good manners. I frankly own, Sir, I could admit of his addresses with pleasure, were they attended) with your consent and approbation. Be assured, however, that I am not so far engaged, as to act with precipitation, or comply with any offers inconsistent with that filial duty, which, in gratitude to your paternal indulgence, I shall ever owe you. Your speedy instructions therefore, in so momentous an article, will prove the greatest satisfaction imaginable to, Honoured Sir, your most dutiful daughter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.