Persephone Books discussion

I thought I would bring this up for discussion among a group of readers who is interested in early 20th century novels.

I am seeing such an interest in "vintage" style these days. I've been reading a lot of magazines lately and just noticed that from craft to gardening to family-type mags there is such a trend toward all things antique or antique-looking. All the gardens are cottage, the fashions look Victorian or Bohemian inspired, jewelry -- the same. Needlepoint in back in vogue. Often the look and layout of the magazines themselves are early retro.

Do you think it is the shaky economic times that make people seek something older (more stable?) Or more people just wanting a connection with history and earlier people.

I think it is so interesting. I know Abby enjoys watching the trends, anyone else?

You are right that much about gardening IS retro these days -- probably one of the most practical attractions to retro.

AND, did anyone see the CBS Sunday Morning segment this morning on backyard clothes lines? That is what we called them back when everyone had one, I don't know if that would be the common name. Anyway, there is an official movement to make them legal. I didn't see the first part of the report, but the story was from Vermont, which I guess has a lot of ordinances against them. But with the environmental movement, advocates are saying that we have gone too far by officially removing them from our backyards.

Hoping I don't sound too political here, but I just wonder if having an immaculate or stately backyard, or one that is regulated, doesn't seem like more of a trend and if actually having something useful in your backyard seems normal. For example, the National Wildlife Federation promotes habitat for wildlife in your backyard. I am sure some people think that isn't posh, however, we just visited the zoo and the number of species whose numbers are constantly dropping is shocking.

Sorry, I varied a bit from the original thread. Elizabeth just reminded me of the clothesline thing. I have read about green roofs also, and my understanding is they are very accepted in Europe.

Speaking of gardening...
I have a book on my to-read list called "The Food of a Younger Land". They talked about it on Fresh Air several weeks ago. Writers employed by the Federal Writers' Project through the WPA went around and collected recipes from different areas and compiled their findings--this book contains selections from that. An interest in food and where it comes from is definitely vintage--and it's fascinating to read about what people were eating back then, and even the differences in cuisine between regions. The Food of a Younger Land The WPA's Portrait of Food in Pre-World War II America

I have heard this book discussed recently too. Maybe modern society is taking a pause and considering things like food and gardening of the previous generations of the 20th c. I keep wondering why society struggles to grasp conservation and other ideas of earlier times, but maybe it's just that we moved SO fast in the 20th century. Things changed to such a degree that we didn't have the chance to preserve as much thought from the early 20th century about everyday life, simple gardening, making do with what you have at hand, etc.

Elizabeth, I would like to look into some of the earlier gardening books, because they do establish a picture of community as well as just the facts of gardening, do you think? My absolute favorites are the Beverly Nichols books. They are humor and village life and love of gardening all rolled into the story. I seem to be attracted to gardening books and cook books, and am no expert at either subject!

Good idea, Elizabeth--I'll include one of their cookbooks or gardening books as a choice in our next poll. Anyone have any suggestions?

I don't know about the whole world, but I'm sure those of us in the Persephone book group are more into vintage than others. I love books about the 1930-1940's most of all.

Here are the other vintage things I like:

Here are the other vintage things I like:
1. I like to knit, and love vintage knitting patterns. Most sweater patterns (cardigans, pullovers, etc.) are simply newer versions of old patterns.

2. Dresses are making a comeback. I love watching old movies and seeing the styles. i was born in 1958, and grew up when wearing pretty clothes was the goal. People laugh about the styles of the1980's, but we dressed up for work and looked good.

3. Aprons have made a comeback.

4. Bread-baking (from scratch) is in.


5. My latest vintage hobby: collecting vintage restaurant china. A friend got me started on this, and it's fun to go to antique stores and eBay to look for a vintage pattern and start collecting.

What a great thread!

It's interesting to hear aprons are making a comeback. I just had the idea to make aprons for my daughter and I. We seem to always be making a mess around the house and my clothes are constantly getting stained. I never fully understood the utility of aprons until now!

I'm also teaching myself to knit and crochet and loving it. Again, I think part of the appeal is a sense of satisfaction that I can actually make something useful for my family and it's very relaxing. I was just commenting to a friend the other day that it seems such a shame that these skills are not passed down like they used to be. It makes me appreciate how much work went into maintaining a family. Slow cooking, making your own clothes, weaving, knitting, sewing etc....
All of these things that were once basic survival skills are now seen as hobbies. If the world blows up, I'll be happy to be to have some of those skills. :-)

I also have marked as to-read some of the Persephone cookbooks. It would be fun to read them and try the recipes as a group.

I agree with you that those are good skills. The problem is that most women now work, and don't have time to do things from scratch, or pass down the skills.

When I was younger, and certainly when my mother was growing up, women didn't work. Therefore, to have nice clothes and good food, everything had to be homemade. As a result, though, they didn't HAVE to have jobs outside the home, because everybody got by on less. I have great memories of visiting my one aunt and watching her sew - she sewed everything and loved it. I never spent that much time with my nieces.

Also, I bought a fabulous basic apron at WalMart for $6. They're by the dishtowels.

I took time today when I ran errands to go by an antique store that I haven't visited in months. Coincidentally, I saw an ordinary cotton apron, but the individual skill was so evident. I am guessing it was about 40-50 years old, sewn by machine, but not like factory-made today. I know you can buy adorable things like that from the store today, but they don't carry the aura of the person who made it. I hope that doesn't sound crazy, but I really felt that way when I picked up this apron. It was beautifully thought out -- it had an appliqued panel, so finely sewn on. It was simple but fantastic.

I think that is what keeps me learning to sew and crochet and all. I think a handmade piece carries a a message through generations that is a message without words.

I know women sewed out of necessity, but so many things were done for companionship, art, and beauty. Women would sit together and plan and work on quilts and have sewing circles. I imagine they worked through many problems and emotions while sitting with the "work" which was their very own. It was maybe their one time of the day when they sat down to the quiet.

I know my grandmother pieced quilts for years, long after she needed any. It was her one artistic outlet. And just the idea of her doing that never stops inspiring me.

It's wonderful to find one of a kind pieces like that apron isn't it? Hand-made things do have so much more meaning. I love giving gifts that I have made and I get loads of pleasure out of using hand-crafted items.

My grandmother inspired me to start crocheting and knitting too. She always had something going while she sat after dinner in front of the television. The sound of those needles flying was comforting.