Jennifer Davies (1) (1950–)

I can't tell you how much I truly enjoyed reading through this book! There was so much new and interesting material---I learned so much! I've told all my pen pals about it since I finished.

The book tells all about the lives and routines of servants, describes the many appliances and implements used in a Victorian kitchen, and gives detailed descriptions on everything one would need to know in order to be a true Victorian kitchen person! I was especially intrigued by the many evolutions of show more the kitchen stove. It's amazing how many innovative designs preceded our modern electric stove!

There were some pretty outrageous recipes and preparation techniques described. I was especially and most disgustedly intrigued by the ox tongue. HOW is this at all appetizing and how ever is it served?? Does each person get their own tongue or is it cut up and shared? Gag me with a spoon!

Lovely read! show less

This book has some useful insights into the daily work of scullery maids, kitchenmaids and cooks in Victorian households. It was written to accompany a TV series, so the writing isn't particularly scholarly and Davies often makes broad generalisations from a particular cook's personal experiences which is not always useful.

An excursion into nostalgia on two levels - firstly for the lives of the Victorian gardeners, and secondly for Harry Dodson and the fascinating programmes of The Victorian Kitchen Garden series, made in the 1980s.

What a gem of Victorian wisdom, it may not all be applicable to todays gardeners but there is certainly much to be used and thought about.