Historical information

Mrs. Julia (McNair) Wright was an American author and writer of temperance tales. She was born in Oswego, New York on May 1, 1840 and died on Sept. 2, 1903.
"The Complete Home" sold over one-hundred-thousand copies. It is an encyclopædia of domestic life and affairs. It takes an in-depth look at the household of the 1870's.

Significance

This book is a contemporary in-depth look at the household of the 1870's. It reflects the role of women in the Late 19th and early 20th century society.

Physical description

A thick hard back588 pp book with an ornately designed dark brown leather cover. It is a decorative gilt embossed cloth binding. All edges are gilt. There are illustrations of various domestic scenes in gold. Below the title, " The Complete Home" is a sketch of the birth place of Howard Payne. Below this is a sketch of the hearthstone of the author of Home Sweet Home.At the foot of the cover is a banner with "God Bless Our Home" and copyright details. it contains chromolith plates, some in black & white, some in color.

Inscriptions & markings

inside cover - " Presented by Uncle & Aunt Horne to Catherine Isabella Horne - 10 May 1893 as a token of our affection"