Description
1952 edition. Paperback cover has significant wear along the sides, scuffs and bending. Front has some creases down the middle. Spine has some reading creases and wear. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This well-worn copy of “Making the Home Happy” offers a fascinating glimpse into post-war American domesticity. Originally published in 1952 under the title “Home Duties,” this practical guide by R.T. Cross reflects the era’s emphasis on traditional gender roles and the idealized vision of the suburban household. Cross, a Baptist minister, imbues his advice on homemaking with Christian values, aiming to create a nurturing environment for families. Despite its dated perspectives, the book provides valuable sociocultural context for scholars studying 1950s gender norms, consumerism, and the burgeoning self-help genre. Collectors of vintage housekeeping literature and mid-century Americana will appreciate this time capsule, its worn state a testament to its role in shaping domestic life. A compelling artifact for understanding the complex realities behind the idyllic postwar family vision.
