The Every-day Book and Table Book, v. 1 (of 3) / or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

53275

Title

The Every-day Book and Table Book, v. 1 (of 3) / or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William Hone's *The Every-day Book* serves as an encyclopedic companion to the calendar, blending history, folklore, and natural observation. With wit and moral purpose, it guides readers through daily customs, saintly legends, and seasonal events, offering amusement and instruction for all ages.

Summary up to 500 words

William Hone's *The Every-day Book and Table Book* presents a comprehensive tapestry of British life, history, and nature, organized chronologically by the days of the year. Dedicated to the literary figures Charles and Mary Lamb, the volume functions as an 'Everlasting Calendar,' serving simultaneously as an almanac, a history of the year, and a guide to seasonal changes. Hone aims to cultivate benevolent feelings and social harmony by blending serious antiquarian research with light verse, anecdotes, and moral reflection. The text meticulously documents the customs, ceremonies, and pastimes of ancient and modern times. Each day features entries on saints' lives, historical events, weather patterns, and floral blooms, effectively creating a 'History of the Months' and 'History of the Seasons.' For instance, the book records the martyrdom of King Charles I and the blooming of the snowdrop, illustrating the intersection of political history and natural cycles. Hone balances the solemn with the humorous, most notably through the 'trial of Sir John Barleycorn.' In this facetious narrative, personified beer defends its societal role against accusations of causing excess, arguing that the fault lies not with the beverage but with the greedy desires of its consumers. This section highlights the folly of excess while defending the cheering nature of alcohol when consumed in moderation. The volume also celebrates extraordinary human feats and eccentricities. Hone recounts the story of Mr. Huddy, a ninety-seven-year-old postmaster who traveled between towns in a tub drawn by a menagerie of animals, including a pig and a badger. Furthermore, the book highlights the remarkable memory of a gentleman who could draw detailed maps of London parishes from memory, identifying every street, shop, and public building without reference to any plan. Through its diverse collection of facts, from the lives of saints like St. Martina to the death of the historian Dr. Thomas Birch, the work provides a perpetual key to the almanac. It explains the significance of movable feasts, fasts, and holidays, ensuring that readers understand the origins and usages of every remarkable day. Ultimately, *The Every-day Book* offers daily instruction and amusement, opening a storehouse of knowledge designed to inform youth and retain their innocence while promoting the best affections of the heart.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg53275.epub

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Categories

• Social Life and Customs
• Calendar