This is the story of the "first domestic goddess." In victorian households, there was only ONE authority: Isabella Beeton. At the age of 21, she began writing down recipes and giving domestic advice at the urging of her publisher husband. Despite her early death at the young age of only 28, her book went on to become The Guide for several generations.

This biography of Mrs. Beeton provides not only details of her life, but also puts her commentary into an understandable context. I recommend it for anybody interested in Victoriana.