Originally published in 1863, this little book is a compilation of "receipts" to aid Southern households beset by shortages as the War Between the States raged on. "Designed to supply useful and economic directions and suggestions in cookery, housewifery . . . and for the camp," these helpful hints first appeared in newspapers and other sources. The original edition was bound in yellow, polka-dot wallpaper. Only five copies of that edition were known to exist a hundred years later. "A Cheap and Quick Pudding," "Apple Pie Without Apples," "Artificial Oysters," "Spruce Beer," "Soap," "Confederate Candles," "Simple Cure for Croup," "Method of Curing Bad Butter," "To Purify River or Muddy Water," and "Hints for the Ladies" on "freshening" a dress to the new style—these are all included, over a hundred "receipts" to get by in hard times. has as much sentimental appeal to modern readers as it had practical value to a previous generation.