Culpeper's Book of Birth: A 17th Century Guide to Having Lusty Children

Ian Thomas (ed); Sue Warne (il); Betty Parsons (fr). In 1651, Nicholas Culpeper wrote a A Directory for Midwives, now edited under the above title. Written in the very direct & frank language of 17th-century England, much of what Culpeper says is relevant to the world & mother of today. He is, for example, very modern in his attitude to sensible diet & exercise. There are chapters on Love & Marriage; Diet; Exercise & Rest; Conception; Pregnancy; Labor; Birth; Nursing; Milk; Child Care; & Weaning. A very useful & practical book which beautifully evokes the period with delightful full-color drawings & paintings by Sue Warne.