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When a Chinese invites to a ceremonious dinner, a large red paper is sent several days before the time. On this is written the invitation, in the politest terms of the language. On the day before a feast, another invitation is sent to the guests, on rose-coloured paper, to remind them of it, and to ascertain whether they are coming. Again on the next day, a short time before the hour appointed, the invitation is repeated to inform them that the feast is prepared and awaits them.

When the guests are assembled, the first thing presented is warm almond milk, in large cups. Every table is served with exactly the same food, and the same number of dishes, at one and the same moment. (Only four or five or six persons sit at each table. In very fashionable houses, not more than two or three.) The tables are mostly of polished ebony, or Surat black wood, and are double; for, as they use no table-cloths, the upper table is removed, with all that is on it, at the end of the first course, to give place to the second.

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This special self-advertisement appeared one hundred and sixty years ago in the March 1852 issue of Godey’s Lady’s Book summarizing its growth and changes over the years and included lots of incentives to attract new subscribers.

Godey’s continued for decades until 1998.  Accessible Archives users have access to Godey’s Lady’s Book as a complete collection in nine sections stretching from 1830 through 1898.

GODEY’S LADY’S BOOK!

Literary and Pictorial,
The Book of the Nation and Arts Union of America!!

The “LADY’S BOOK” is now in the twenty-second year of its publication by the same Publisher– a fact unprecedented in the history of any American Magazine. Nothing but real worth in a publication could be the cause of so prolonged an existence, especially in the literary world, where everything is so evanescent. Hundreds of magazines have been started, and, after a short life, have departed– while the “Lady’s Book” alone stands triumphant, a proud monument reared by the Ladies of America as a testimony of their own worth.

Many persons, who seek no further than our title, presume that the “Lady’s Book” is intended merely for the amusement of a class, and that it does not enter into the discussion of those more important questions connected with the realities and the duties of life which every well-informed woman, mother and daughter, should be acquainted with. But such is not the fact. It is now, as it has ever been, our constant care to combine, in the pages of the “Lady’s Book,” whatever is useful, whatever is elevating, whatever is pure, dignified, and virtuous in sentiment, with whatever may afford rational and innocent amusement. (more…)

In Philadelphia in 1830 Louis Antoine Godey (1804-1878) commenced the publication of Godey’s Lady’s Book which he designed specifically to attract the growing audience of American women.

Godey’s Lady’s Book also was a vast reservoir of handsome illustrations which included hand-colored fashion plates, mezzotints, engravings, woodcuts and, ultimately, chromolithographs.

Personal subscribers to Accessible Archives have access to issues from 1830 to 1899.

This is an example of one of the plates found in our Godey’s Lady’s Book collection.

Godey's Hand Colored Fashion Plate for April 1881

Every plate was accompanied by a comprehensive written description of each item. (more…)

One of the latest of the masterpieces which have recently come in rapid succession from the studio of M. Karl Bitter is the heroic statue of Jeanne d’Arc for the entrance hall of “Biltmore,” the palatial country seat of George Vanderbilt, near Ashevile, North Carolina.

“In Kantadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure dome decree,
Where Alf, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea.”

The selection of Jeanne d’Arc as one of the guardians of the portals of his southern home shows the happiest historic eclecticism on the part of the owner. She may be said to typify in herself Piety, Modesty, Bravery, and Inspiration. M. Bitter’s Jeanne d’Arc is in a full suit of medieval armor, expect the gorget, which is discarded, showing a white, finely moulded neck, laced with blue, wandering veins. The visor of the bassinet is raised, and the eyes of the statue lifted to commune with those Heavenly Guides and Voices which directed every movement of the inspired maid. The hands are clasped—half resting on the quillons of an imaginary sword, and half raised in silent prayer.

“A maiden knight to me is given
Such hope I know not fear;
I yearn to breathe the airs of heaven
That often meet me here.”

Jeanne was burnt as a heretic by the Bishop of Beauvais on May 30, 1429, in Orleans. Dumas styled her “The Christ of France.”

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What I write is the result of large experience, much thought, and close attention to the subject. It may seem trite— even needless— to those who have carefully studied it as I have; but there are, I presume to think, many to whom these “HINTS” cannot be but useful. Those who have practised little, or not considered much, will, I believe, thank me for them and profit by them.

The art of horsemanship does not consist merely in knowing how to mount, how to hold the reins, how to sit with security and grace, nor how to compel the horse to walk that canters or gallops at the will of the rider. All these are indispensable. But there is also to be acquired the art of drawing forth the willing obedience of the animal. This is to he obtained only by a kind, temperate, and uniform treatment, and by a thorough knowledge of his habits and instincts.

How different is a ride on a well-kept, well-used horse, who feels that he carries a friend, from one on a broken-spirited or timid creature, in whom ill-usage has produced many defects! In the former case, the exercise is as great a pleasure to the horse as to his rider. He sniffs the air, he pricks up his ears, he throws forward his feet with energy. Life has to him delights beyond his stall and his corn. The horse is naturally gentle, intelligent, and affectionate; but these qualities are not sufficiently studied or appreciated. He is usually regarded merely as a means of health and pleasure to his owner, and not often is either gratitude, kindness, or sympathy extended to him in return.

Occasionally horses are found vicious and unmanageable; but defects of temper may generally be traced to the ill-treatment of some reckless master, some cruel trainer, or some ignorant groom. Even in these cases, mild, but firm treatment, may render him gentle and tractable.

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