Workwoman's Guide.
The workwoman's guide, containing instructions to the inexperienced in cutting out and completing those articles of wearing apparel, &c., which are usually made at home; also, explanations on upholstery, straw-platting, bonnet-making, knitting, &c. By a lady. [Birmingham: printed by Thomas Evans] London: Simpkin, Marshall; Thomas Evans, Birmingham, 1838.
4to, viii, 303 pp., fine engraved frontispiece and 24 engraved plates, contemporary (original?) dark blue roan "wallet" binding, document pocket inside upper cover, short closed tear in fold of wallet flap.
First edition. A remarkably comprehensive work on all aspects of sewing and knitting, by some way the most substantial work of its kind in English to that time. The fine frontispiece shows a lady teaching a classroom full of girls how to make clothes. It is clear from the introduction that the work arose out of the writer's work in a charity school for girls. A glance at the table of contents provides an idea of the depth of coverage:
Observations on purchasing goods; the work-box; baby-linen; linen for men, women, girls, and boys: Turkish trousers, night jackets, caps for servants, working aprons, carriage cloak, old woman's cloak, waggoner's smock-frock, shirts for the labouring classes; house linen: jelly bags, ham bags, cheese cloths, marking house linen; upholstery; receipts; knitting: driving mitts, muffatees, kettle holders, and much, much more.
A very good copy of a rare work. This is the first copy we have encountered in over forty years.
Description courtesy James Burmester Rare Books.
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