The Spinster Book (1901)

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Introducing The Spinster Book (1901), a vintage publication that sheds light on turn-of-the-century attitudes about romance, courtship, and the roles of men and women in that process. At a time when unmarried women had limited options for hurrying along a romance, the advice presented here is certain to have helped many.

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by Myrtle Reed

G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York and London

Published 1901 (and many subsequent printings)

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Kristin Holt | The Spinster book. Photograph of Myrtle Reed, American Author, Poet, Journalist, and Philanthropist. (1874 -- 1911) [Image: Public Domain, Wikipedia]

Myrtle Reed, American Author, Poet, Journalist, and Philanthropist. (1874 — 1911) [Image: Public Domain, Wikipedia]

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Who says spinsters are unaware of what makes a man tick?!

Myrtle Reed’s The Spinster Book (1901) charms and informs about Victorian courtship. Much of her anecdotal advice for a young lady’s happiness in courtship is humorous and spot-on. Much of her direction celebrates the bright minds of young (and not-so young) women, and in particular, their ability to bring their beau around to seeing things a little differently. She manages to poke a little fun at a conceited man (a pastime of spinsters?).

I’ve selected a short segment to share with you. Picture a courting couple in her family’s parlor. He rests in an upholstered chair, the magazine open upon his lap. Between reading to her, his thoughts wander down a path that his best girl directs. Myrtle’s suggestions for a conversation made me chuckle. Read on!

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Men are Like Cats

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Photograph of American Beauties Roses (brilliant pink). Courtesy of The Garden Diary.

Kristin Holt | Vintage Postcard with artwork of turn-of-the-century woman in evening dress, inhaling the scen tof American Beauty Roses in a bud vase. Image courtesy of Jackie's Vintage Postcards.

Vintage Postcard, courtesy of Jackie’s Vintage Postcards.

2 Comments

Marianne Spitzer on July 17, 2016 at 12:44 PM

As usual, your post was enjoyable and informational. The conversation made me smile. It must have been difficult during that time period for women to flirt yet remain “ladylike.” Men’s egos are still the same and women still need to play to them. Thanks for a fun post.
- Kristin Holt on July 17, 2016 at 4:20 PM
  
  Thanks, Marianne–
  I enjoyed that find, too. =) I agree–men (‘s egos) are still the same, women are still the same…and no matter how much some things change, even more stays the same.
  Glad this post made you smile.
  Cheers!
  Kristin

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The Spinster Book (1901)

The Spinster Book (1901)

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Men are Like Cats

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