The Gentle Art of Domesticity

‘There is a world of difference between domesticity and domestication,’ writes Jane Brocket in her book newly published by Hodder. It is, she explains, ‘about the pleasures and joys of the gentle domestic arts of knitting, crochet, baking, stitching, quilting, gardening and homemaking’ not about ‘the repetitive, endless rounds of cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping and house maintenance that comes with domestication.’

She admits that domesticity is an abstract concept, capable of all sorts of interpretations, but concludes that it ‘rises above the bossiness of cleaning products and media exhortations to keep our houses pristine and hygienic, and focuses instead on creativity within the domestic space.’
 
Painting and literature about domesticity are important to Jane Brocket, and are important features of her wonderful book. She reproduces several Persephone favourites, for example Eric Ravilous’s 'Train Landscape’ (1939) which we sell as a card in the shop, and the ‘Ipswich Coach’ painting which we had already decided to use on the front of this Biannually. (We chose it because, in atmosphere, it echoes the Dorothy Whipple short stories; and it was painted the very year that Tilli Wolff-Mönckeberg started to write her letters to her children abroad.’

Jane Brocket also writes about the literature of domesticity and, pleasingly, mentions – and photographs – Persephone books several times. She comments: ‘Domestic literature is both gentle and gently rewarding. It gives a story to so many untold lives, and a meaning and significance to generations of women who were expected to live quietly domestic lives, but who were often far from dull and domesticated.

‘Domestic novels reveal the textures of women’s lives and the infinite possibilities and permutations of the domestic space. They also give contemporary women the chance to reflect that we are fortunate in not being compelled to live in that way unless we choose to do so, which makes domesticity a potentially enriching way of life, not a reductive one.’

She chooses eight especial favourites: Jane Eyre, Cranford, The Diary of a Provincial Lady, Mrs Miniver, At Mrs Lippincote’s– and The Home-Maker, They Knew Mr Knight and Family Roundabout, Persephone books No. 7, 19 and 24. The Home-Maker, she writes, is ‘the story of what happens when a wife and mother puts all her efforts into the house, and not the home [a very subtle distinction]. Fortunately, irreparable damage is averted when Lester, the father, takes over the role of homemaker.  My copy of this incredible book has more folded page corners than any other, so memorable are the observations and details.’

Of They Knew Mr Knight Jane Brocket writes: ‘Anything by Dorothy Whipple is worth reading. Once a publishing phenomenon, then largely forgotten, she writes the most compellingly readable books I have encountered since my childhood, when I often consumed a book in a day. She writes with an astounding fluency and her novels are richly detailed, wonderfully observed, funny, warm and clever. Her imagery is subtle, her understanding of human nature is amazing, and her ability to move around her characters and see them from all angles is quite brilliant. She doesn’t moralise but is deeply ethical. They Knew Mr Knight is a cautionary tale, but one with plenty of knitting, crocuses, ginger puddings and permanent waves.’

And, to round off this trio of particularly domestic Persephone books, she points out that most of Richmal Crompton’s novels for adults have sunk without trace but ‘thankfully Family Roundabout has been rescued and republished, for this gentle, perceptive, often sad, domestic saga about two families still has the power to touch
contemporary readers. It’s full of womanly, homely detail such as sock knitting, basket mending, name tapes, tapestry, iced cakes, party dresses and grand-children. It’s the domestic novel par excellence.’

Lastly, Jane Brocket reproduces a picture of a Persephone hot- water bottle cover (knitted in grey cashmere, naturally) and adds: ‘The hottie cover goes with the book covers perfectly. But there is also a lovely match on a metaphorical level. For I think the Persephone list contains some of the best hot- water bottle literature to be found anywhere.

‘You know what I mean. The kind of book you take to bed with a nice cup of tea, or read by the fire snuggled under a quilt. The kind of book that is well written and truly readable. The kind of thoughtful, entertaining book into which you can escape, and from which you return with a new perspective.’ The Gentle Art of Domesticity is that book.  But it is also inspiring for would-be quilters, cup-cake makers, knitters and gardeners: and the wonderfully sensuous photographs provide a perfect counterpoint to the text.

Ordering books from Persephone

You can see a complete list of Persephone Books and order online here. Or you can email us, telephone on 020 7242 9292, send a fax to 020 7242 9272 or write to the following address: Persephone Books Ltd, 59 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3NB All Persephone Books cost £10 each plus £2 postage (see more information on ordering). We can now send a book a month for six or twelve months - more >