Ruth Goodman’s books are amazing not only because she’s done the research, but because she’s lived the history. No, she’s not immortal or a time-traveler, Goodman’s spent her career trying out historical methods of living to see how they work. Because of her unique perspective, Goodman adds to the conversation about the domestic revolution and how it influenced all of society.

The choice made by regular people to switch from wood-fire to coal had multiple domino effects in society. Reading nonfiction does not come naturally to me, so I struggled through the first half, but I stayed with it because of the amazing anecdotes Goodman writes which give a practical human account of what it’s like to cook with over a dung fire or to clean laundry with wood ash and lye. The second half of the book pulled me in more and I was fascinated by the effects switching to coal had on cooking and what meals and methods were used, and the impact it had on cleaning. The Domestic Revolution shows that Goodman’s practical knowledge about history goes beyond telling readers how people lived in a certain era, it also can add to academic conversations by elevating the perspectives of everyday men and women in history whose choices in daily life affected society, but whose voices are rarely heard. ( )

The author has done thorough research and presents a very captivating story about how the change of fuel on a domestic level impacted society on multiple levels. I really enjoyed reading about and getting insights into a wide array of topics linked, sometimes in ways I would never have imagined, to the type of fuel used for heating and cooking at home. ( )

I loved this. Never expected to, but it was very instructive by somebody whos is both a historian and has lots of practical experience.

Absolutely spectacular book that traces the changes in everyday cooking and cleaning in Britain from the middle ages to the Edwardians -- which doesn't sound that interesting, but Goodman is an enthralling storyteller. Not only that, but she has a wonderful way of looking at the small and expanding it out to encompass an entire way of life. Has a lot of fascinating tidbits for the medieval reenactor, and really interesting things to say about alternate methods of cleaning than soap. Relates the astonishing impact on the landscape from the change to coal, and the colonial oppression that coincides with the rise of soap. I don't necessarily believe that every theory in this book is true, but I appreciate a tidy history and a compelling argument, and this book has those in spades.

Also, I totally want to make oatmeal bars on our next medieval camping trip.

Advanced Readers Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )