"Great indeed is the task assigned to woman." So begins this useful handbook, originally published in 1853, in which Mrs. L. G. Abell set down literally hundreds of domestic skills to be mastered with economy and grace by any woman wishing to run an efficient home. Light-years ahead of her time, Abell believed solidly in the virtue of the accomplished woman, one who is "skilled in the various arts of life, complete in her character, so constituted by her own industry and intelligence." While the arts of life may be defined rather differently today, the overall notion that "woman's work is never done" remains, and there is plenty of practical information here to aid any busy wife or super mom through her day including:

* Tips for marketing and the use of meats * Cures of dozens of maladies from earaches to seasickness * Whitening fabric and removing stains * Setting a proper table * Manners and behavior for children * And more

Fun to browse through, a valuable addition to any home, and a great mother's day gift, A Mother's Book of Traditional Household Skills will continue to please generations of women to come.