Ruth Pepper Summers

The advice in this book is both amusing and aggravating; amusing for its silliness, aggravating because someone once considered this valuable advice. The author has collected a number of strange customs and advice ranging from medical to fashion. Some of the things she lists as peculiar or curious advice, though, just make sense, like high heels being bad for a woman. A decent collection, somewhat incomplete, but fun and a quick read.

This book is a nice collection of bad advice, incorrect information, and horrifying recipes from the late 18th to the very early 20th century. It is very funny. I have to go with three stars because so much of the book is quoted from just a few sources - while there is an absolute treasure trove of such strange historical bits available. I gather the author has merely quoted from a handful of books in her personal collection. Still, it is very entertaining.