I’ve been reading and collecting books about homemaking ever since I was a new bride. Even after nearly 40 years of marriage I still enjoy reading about homemaking. I don’t always get around to putting it all into practice on a regular basis but I do love a good housekeeping book. Especially the old fashioned, out of print ones.
This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more here.
Dee’s Favorite Homemaking Books
Over the years I’ve bought a ridiculous number of books about keeping house and read many others from the library. I thought I’d share some of my favorites. These are ones I own and have read repeatedly.
- Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson – This is probably the best and most comprehensive of them all. It’s not the sort of book to sit down and read cover to cover but when you need to know how to remove a wine stain from a tablecloth or how to store fresh herbs, you’ll find the answer here.
- Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young and Peggy Jones – I actually read another book by these two sisters first, “The Happiness File”. I loved it so much I just had to read the book about how it all began. Pam and Peggy are hilarious and their story of how they went from being total slobs, albeit creative ones, to competent managers of their homes is rather inspiring.
- Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley – The FlyLady – These days everyone knows who The FlyLady is but back when I first discovered her she was just sending out a bunch of daily emails from Yahoo Groups. Actually, I think it was still e-Groups at that time. Did you know that her methods were inspired by Pam Young and Peggy Jones, the authors I mentioned above?
- Mrs. Dunwoody’s Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping by Miriam Lukken – I love this book. It’s a great mix of old-fashioned homemaking charm and practical, modern information.
- Keeping Up With Keeping House by Mary Kaltman – I found this at a library book sale many, many years ago. It was published in 1971 but feels like it could have been written even earlier. The author served as the Food Coordinator and Housekeeper for the White House for four years. Her advice about home management is excellent.
- How to Have All the Time You Need Every Day by Pat King – My little paperback copy of this was used when I bought it and is even more “used” now. I have no idea how many times I’ve read it. The author, a mother of TEN children, packs so much wisdom and practical advice into this small book.
- Totally Organized the Bonnie McCullough Way by Bonne McCullough – If I had to pick just one homemaking book which has been the most helpful to me over the years, this would be it. The author’s daily routine which she refers to as “Minimum Maintenance” is worth the price of the book alone.
After I started writing this I thought it would be fun to search for some new homemaking books to share (and add to my Amazon.com wishlist!). I came up empty-handed. I didn’t find a single book that I really, truly want to read. Either they are very, very basic and geared toward the inexperienced homemaker or they are written from a rather heavy-handed religious viewpoint. I’m a Christian myself but I don’t think every aspect of keeping house needs a biblical parable or accompanying Bible verse. I’m certainly not opposed to Christian references. “How to Have All the Time You Need Every Day” was written by a Catholic woman and there are plenty of references to this within the book. However, the wisdom and practical advice she shares make it a true gem and I think non-Christians would find plenty of value in what she writes.
If you have any book suggestions please leave me a comment. I haven’t had a new homemaking book in ages and would love to have one to curl up with on a chilly afternoon this winter.
P.S. I’m writing this Tuesday afternoon and just this minute found out that today, November 3rd, is National Housewife’s Day. National Sandwich Day was all over Facebook yet I’ve only seen one reference to National Housewife’s Day (and that was by my daughter). That says it all, doesn’t it? Oh, well. We know the value of homemakers, right?
I’m familiar with (and have read) all the books you listed except the last three. The only homekeeping books I have here besides some of the ones you mentioned, is Radical Homemakers by Shannon Hayes and Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs.
Even doing a Google search, doesn’t seem like there’s many books out there on this subject – at least not updated, more modern ones. Maybe we need to write a book! π
Interesting post! I suspect the book, ‘How to have all the time you need every day’ doesn’t include a section on blogging and tweeting. LOL I’m pretty sure I’d have more time if I threw out this computer!
Isn’t that the truth?! My daughter and I attended an Amish sale and auction in September and we were musing on how much time the women must have spent making all the various baked goods and such that were for sale, along with the most gorgeous quilts. My daughter quipped, “Just look at what can be accomplished when you don’t have the Internet.”.
Totally Organized is one of the best! I reread the chapter on Minimum Maintenance all the time. Such a great book! I also really enjoy Home Comforts. I will be checking out others you have listed that I haven’t read yet- thanks!
I do believe you’re the first person I’ve encountered who is familiar with Totally Organized. I really do think Minimum Maintenance is the best homekeeping advice I’ve ever read. Thanks for commenting. π
Oh my goodness — you and I must have the same bookshelves! I also collect old housekeeping books (and etiquette books) as well as “grooming” books for teens and ladies. LOVE my housekeeping books! I’ve read a few of your favorites — Bonnie McCullough is wonderful and I’ve read several of hers. I have 3 to add to your list: The Good Housekeeping Housekeeping Book (1947), The I Hate to Housekeep Book, by Peg Bracken (1958) – (also wrote the hilarious and very helpful I Hate To Cook book; and possibly my favorite, The Art of Homemaking, by Daryl V. Hoole, (1969) whose organization ideas are the BEST, and are ones I have used in my house for YEARS. All 3 are staples in my house, although after all these years I do most of the suggestions in these books without thinking now. I think you’d enjoy them, if you can find them!
I’m so happy to hear from someone else who loves old housekeeping books, too. I also enjoy old etiquette books. π I’ve read the Peg Bracken books – our library has them – but haven’t ever run across “The Art of Homemaking”. Now I’m going to be on the hunt for a copy. Thank you so much for the suggestions!
I am now on a mission to find some of these books at the library! I’m sure I won’t find them all but they sound great! The only homemaking book I’ve ever purchased is Houseworks by Cynthia Ewer. As someone who didn’t have a great deal of organizational guidance from my mother, this book was a great resource for me. I’m not sure how it would compare the ones you’ve listed – it is definitely more recently published and may be a bit basic. But it was helpful for me!
Cynthia Ewer sounds familiar. I’ll have to look at her book. Thanks for the suggestion.
Probably my favorite book about homemaking is Bonnie’s Household Organizer by Bonnie McCullough, published in 1983! It must be an earlier version of Totally Organized. My copy is falling apart, but I still read it from time to time for inspiration. Her Minimum Maintenance concept is the best! Another book that I have found helpful is Zen to Done by Leo Babauta, which is sort of a simplified version of David Allen’s book Getting Things Done. While these two books are not about homemaking per se, some of the systems described work incredibly well in the home for increasing productivity.
I totally agree about Minimum Maintenance! I need to read Zen to Done.
I love all these homemaking books, too. It’s such a great genre. Have you read Phyllis McGinley’s Sixpence in Her Shoe? It’s not a “how to organize” book, more a “why homemaking is important” book. I wrote a book on homemaking myself, quoting from lots of the organizing/home gurus. It’s called Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker. Maybe your library has it π
Hi Lynn. I’ve not heard of “Sixpence in Her Shoe” but I will definitely be on the lookout for it. Your book sounds great, too! I just checked and our library doesn’t have it but I can probably get it via interlibrary loan. I also see that it is available on Amazon for Kindle. I’ll add it to my wishlist. Thanks for dropping by. Now I’m heading over to your site…
You mean I’m not the only one? Five of these seven books are on my shelf! Mrs. Dunwoody is my latest find…at a used bookstore in perfect condition! Love this site.
Isn’t it nice when we find someone else who shares our interests? π
Mrs Dunwoody’s was a recent find for me as well! I have the first four books, all well read and book marked, and will now keep my eagle eyes out for the rest!
I just love homemaking books, especially older ones. If you run across others you enjoy please tell me about them.
Hi Dee, thank you so much for this list! I have a question. Is the book by Pat King you mentioned, How to Have all the Time you Need Everyday the SAME book as How do you Find the Time? Is it just another edition of the same book? I was wondering because of the Amazon link. Thank you, and blessings to you.
I think it’s the same book, although mine might be a later edition. My copy just has the title: How to Have all the Time You Need Everyday. It has a different cover than the one currently shown on Amazon.
Thank you so much! Blessings to you.
And to you, as well. π
A Window Over the Sink: a Memoir: by Peg Bracken – this is a lovely engaging book and very well-written! Probably out of print
I’ve read a couple of her books but not that one. I just looked on Amazon and there are some used copies available. I think I just might need to treat myself. Thanks for the recommendation!
When I got married (38 years ago) I didnβt know how to clean because my mother always did everything. Speed Cleaning by Jeff Campbell saved me from needless motions and getting side-tracked. The cleaning solutions are fantastic, too. Itβs still in print.
I read that a long time ago. I need to see if I still have my copy.