The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20830

Title

The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edited by former Good Housekeeping editor William F. Bigelow, this 1938 collection offers twelve expert articles guiding young people through the realities of marriage. Featuring contributions from Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. Ellsworth Huntington, the book addresses courtship, finances, child-rearing, and sexual health with a serious, constructive tone aimed at helping youth achieve lasting happiness.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by William F. Bigelow, this volume represents a significant effort to provide young Americans with factual, scientific, and practical guidance on marriage, a subject often treated lightly or avoided in contemporary education. The book begins by acknowledging the modern youth's realistic approach to matrimony, rejecting the idea of marriage as a lottery and instead emphasizing the need for preparation, self-knowledge, and informed choice. The text is divided into twelve chapters, each addressing a critical aspect of married life. The opening sections focus on courtship, advising readers to avoid hasty decisions, to judge potential partners based on everyday character rather than party manners, and to ensure their own emotional stability before committing. Bigelow argues that successful marriage requires active effort and the selection of a partner who brings out the best in one's own character. A substantial portion of the book is dedicated to the practical and economic realities of family life. Articles by Elizabeth Bussing and others detail budgeting strategies, the costs of raising children, and the importance of financial security. The text explicitly discusses the economic readiness required for parenthood, suggesting that while high income is not strictly necessary, the ability to cover medical and living expenses is crucial. It also touches on the debate of whether wives should work outside the home, presenting arguments for both domestic focus and professional contribution. The book does not shy away from biological and psychological realities. Dr. Ernest R. Groves and others provide detailed information on physical fitness for conception, the risks of venereal diseases, and the importance of understanding one's own body. There is a frank discussion of sex education within the home, arguing that ignorance is a barrier to marital happiness. The text also covers the emotional and spiritual dimensions, including the role of religion, the management of jealousy and resentment, and the necessity of maintaining intimacy and romance over the years. Significant attention is given to child-rearing. The authors discuss the optimal age for having children, the number of children a family can support, and the psychological impact of sibling relationships. They advocate for a loving, stable environment and warn against spoiling children or allowing them to become self-centered. The book also addresses the challenges of adolescence, suggesting that parents must remain spiritually and emotionally connected to their growing children. Perhaps most notably, the volume includes a chapter on divorce, urging couples to avoid legal separation through communication, compromise, and mutual respect. Dr. Hornell Hart's section on "Detour Around Reno" serves as a stark warning against the dangers of impulsive divorce and the loss of family stability. Throughout the text, the tone is earnest, didactic, and deeply concerned with the welfare of the next generation. The contributors, including figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and William Lyon Phelps, bring diverse perspectives but share a common goal: to equip young people with the knowledge and wisdom necessary to build strong, happy families. The book concludes by reinforcing the idea that marriage is a serious, lifelong undertaking that requires constant work, adjustment...

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Marriage