Happy Homes and How to Make Them

J. W. Kirton’s Happy Homes and How to Make Them is a guide published in the United Kingdom ca 1865 on courting, marriage, and the duties of husband and wife. Chapters cover subjects like advice on courting and the marriage proposal, getting a home, the duties of the husband and wife in marriage, and special counsel for the wife on combating the “public house.”

As an insight into the morals and beliefs of mid 19th century British culture, this database has a great deal to offer. You can explore the institution of marriage as viewed during this century from a primary source including poetic excerpts from the time period.