Forgotten Elegance: The Art, Artifacts, and Peculiar History of Victorian and Edwardian Entertaining in America (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313316852)

History students and Victorian enthusiasts looking for comprehensive information on dining practices of Victorian America will find this book a vital resource. Revealing the history of 19th-century dining, clothing, and etiquette, the volume includes sample menus and explicit instructions explaining how to recreate a dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch in the 21st century. Collectors of china, crystal, and silver will also find this book helpful because it provides a photograph of each piece of tableware that was used, with a history and description of the item.

After explaining the different dining styles and the way they evolved into rituals of the Victorian era, a formal dinner is examined course by course. The Schollanders present the history and uses of various wines and show they were matched with different foods. They also explain the evolution of silver, crystal, and china pieces. Additionally the book includes an explanation of the seating order at the Victorian table, correct Victorian table manners, invitations and menu cards, correct dress for dinner guests, correct table settings, the role of servants, and step-by-step instructions for recreating a formal Victorian dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch.

Author: Wendell Schollander, Wes Schollander
ISBN-10: 0313316856
ISBN-13: 9780313316852
Publisher: Greenwood
Language: English
Published: 10/30/2001
Pages: 312
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.19lbs
Size: 9.56h x 6.41w x 0.86d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 03/01/2002 pg. 1081
Foreword 03/01/2002 pg. 55
Reference and Research Bk News 02/01/2002 pg. 230
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2003 pg. 196