2022.001.007

L. Maria Child wrote "The Mother's Book" after writing "The Frugal Housewife." In the preface, Child explains the publication of both of these books. The author claims that among the cookery books and books on education, there were none that were suited to "the wants of the middling class in our own country." Child's book contains eleven chapters varying in topics of developing "bodily senses", child development and management, religion, life cycle, 'age-appropriate' books, politeness, dress, and marriage. There is a great emphasis on the presence of religion and spirituality throughout the book. Also of note is the dedication page where the author states: "To American Mothers, on whose intelligence and discretion the safety and prosperity of our Republic so much depend, this volume is respectfully inscribed."