Don'ts for Husbands

Words of wisdom for a happy marriage from nearly a century ago... The advice comes from a set of guidebooks on marriage written on the eve of the First World War which are predicted to shoot to the top of the bestseller list. The somewhat old-fashioned ‘Don'ts for Husbands and Wives' penned by Blanche Ebbutt in 1913 were first published at a time when women stayed at home while their husbands went out to work. Times have changed since then, but the advice could be considered as relevant today as ever. * Daily Mail *
Tips for a happy marriage published nearly a century ago look set to be a hit this year. The guidebooks are seen now as amusing and wise - and relevant in 2007. * Daily Express *
[The author's] wit and wisdom are set to find a new audience... [they] evoke a world where domestic servants were taken for granted and men viewed women as second-class citizens, to be patronised or set to work on domestic tasks. Wives receive sisterly instructions designed to make them the best possible partners for the flawed, often ridiculous men they have married. * The Times *
Today they are enough tomes about men being from Mars and weird rules of dating... so it is expected that Blanche Ebbutt's oeuvre will provide more comedy value than useful advice. And yet... there are eternal verities there... There are plenty of gloriously retro bits about women censoring their men's socks and husbands learning to "lead" rather than "drive" their wives; but who could argue when Ebbutt says that there is an art in being married, and that you should not "exhaust your artistic power in getting married" but put some effort into staying that way... What is required, Ebbutt hints from the grave, is simple niceness: be as considerate towards a life partner as towards a friend... So, go on: clear up those pencil sharpenings, chaps. And women, tell Him Indoors that his hair looks nice. Can't hurt, can it? -- Libby Purves * The Times *
her words on kindness and consideration are as useful today as they were nearly a century ago - and the books themselves, tiny little volumes, are adorable. * The Times *
Really charming but ultimately wise little books, great ad hoc wedding gifts and also very funny. -- Matthew Perren * I-on *
After reading it, I was also very surprised that after more than 100 years, how true quite a few of them still rang. * Elephant Journal *
The publication fits in with the current nostalgia for the spiffing traditions and mannerisms of an earlier era — good punctuation, sound table manners, hand-written letters and afternoon tea. * Independant.ie *
Among the bon mots there is much wisdom. They would make great stocking fillers, or wedding anniversary gifts! * Good Book Guide *