Historical fiction's become very popular of late and I've recently enjoyed reading Hilary Mantell's "Bring up the bodies" and Suzannah Dunn's "The confessions of Katherine Howard". But whether it's "faction" or "fiction" the writer has to undertake considerable research - just check out the author's bibliography. In my own historically set novels I've enjoyed seeking out obscure original sources, such as old correspondence, contemporary newspapers and books to give authentic background. Here's a gem from Annie Swan's Magazine in 1894 in the regular section on "Women's Employment".
"What is the best age for a laundry manager?"
"Between 30 and 40. The employers prefer middle aged ladies because the women need strict keeping in order. Even the forewomen have to be carefully overlooked. I knew one who used to take the laundresses into the public-house for drinks and when the day's work ended used to kiss them all round. The manager had to divert this over-flowing affection into another channel." (it doesn't say what!)
"What is the best age for a laundry manager?"
"Between 30 and 40. The employers prefer middle aged ladies because the women need strict keeping in order. Even the forewomen have to be carefully overlooked. I knew one who used to take the laundresses into the public-house for drinks and when the day's work ended used to kiss them all round. The manager had to divert this over-flowing affection into another channel." (it doesn't say what!)
RSS Feed