DAINTY WORK FOR DAINTY PEOPLE

Philadelphia: American Book and Bible House, 1902. Good only, lacking several leaves and plates.. First edition of this attractive how-to book for girls, featuring extensive descriptions of various crafts and even magic tricks to play with friends. DAINTY WORK FOR DAINTY PEOPLE, like many craft books even today, is aimed at girls and women; embroidery, lacemaking, knitting, and crocheting are all described in easy-to-follow terms, and a section on educational and amusing activities is also included. But handmade crafts were, and continue to be, more than simple pastimes: historian Clive Edwards notes that the gendering of crafts "led to the distinction between amateur women and professional men," further calling attention to the idea of encouraging women to "use their 'spare' time productively" (11-12). This title is an interesting example of the development of DIY culture. 9.5'' x 7''. Original green pictorial cloth binding. Illustrated with several full-page color plates and numerous black-and-white in-text images and diagrams. 268 pages. Pencil gift inscription to front flyleaf, "Presented to / Toddy Harman / by her "Mama" / Xmas 1903." Binding with some bumping to corners and spine ends, some soil to lower rear board. Front flyleaf detached, front hinge tender; several pages and plates lacking. Attractive illustrations.