Feed the Brute!
London: Geoffrey Bles, [1925]. Early printing. Hardcover, in dust jacket. Mild foxing text block edges and sparsely throughout, publisher's stamp rear pastedown stating "This volume is for sale in the Dominions Only", light rubbing edges with spots of wear, very good or better in good only dust jacket with publisher's sticker to lower spine, large tear front panel, and heavy chipping at upper edge with loss to beginning of spine title, in mylar cover. Item #234404
A writer for the Daily Mail, Marjorie Swift takes readers under her wing in this little book of cooking and hosting advice, especially written for young wives on a tight budget. Her title "Feed the Brute" comes from a phrase that started showing up in as early as the 1880s, usually given in response to young wives inquiring as to how to keep their husbands' love and affection. As fitting for her time, Swift holds on to this belief, telling her readers, "The well-fed man is a happy man," though she continues on to say, "and a very easily 'managed' one too. And since we women know that to maintain harmony every man however clever, however efficient, however charming, must be 'managed,' let us feed him well first and manage him afterwards" (8). While she does not offer any managing advice, Swift's culinary skills are evident in how she creates menus, makes plans for unexpected guests, and instructs her readers on how to cook. A product of its time, "Feed the Brute!" is a charming little book that offers not only a glimpse into the cooking of the early 20th century, but also into its culture.
Price: $175.00