Tea Party Diva - Life & Craft

A Victorian Book of Days is a day book to write in, as well as an illustrated social calendar of the life of a Victorian family.

We gain interesting insights into Victorian society and everyday life through the eyes of the fictitious Lady Margaret.

Lady Margaret’s life revolved around the social calendar, afternoon tea, entertaining, country homes and London, and of course, her family and friends.

Fashion, beauty, etiquette, being presented at the palace and afternoon tea are all featured. Following the calendar, we see Lady Margaret and her circle preparing for events such as Valentines Day, Derby Day, the London Social Season and Christmas.

Layout of A Victorian Book of Days
Each double page spread has the week to a page with caligraphy lettering and floral borders. These pages are intended for your daily jottings or diary dates.

On the facing page is either a full color artist’s depiction of a scene from the Victorian period, or the related commentary about Victorian era lifestyle.

The Importance of Afternoon Tea in Victorian Life
Tea, Tea Time, Five O’Clock Tea, At Homes or Afternoon Tea (call it what you will), was a mainstay of Victorian social life. Other aspects touched on in the book, such as etiquette, social interactions, entertaining, beauty, fashion and social stratas add to the insights about the social jigsaw in the Victorian period.

It also gives an understanding of the niceties and expecatations involved in something seemingly as straightforward as hosting or attending a social function such as afternoon tea.

Verdict
A Victorian Book of Days is a beautifully presented book. I enjoyed reading and browsing through it. The meticulously detailed color illustrations show Victorian interiors, fashions and lifestyle, and are well complemented by the text. Weaving the year’s events around the fictional Lady Margaret and her family, is an innovative and effective approach.

Note: This book may be out of print. If you can find a used copy, the information and illustrations are interesting, even without the added use of the day book aspect.
Highly Recommended.

Books & Magazines, Times Past