Description

The Complete Servant: Being a Practical Guide to the Peculiar Duties and Business of All Descriptions of Servants, from the Housekeeper to the Servant of All-Work, and from the Land Steward to the Foot-Boy is an exhaustive and authoritative manual first published in 1825 by Samuel and Sarah Adams, a husband-and-wife team with decades of experience in domestic service. This comprehensive volume offers an unparalleled insight into the intricate workings of a well-run household in early nineteenth-century England, meticulously detailing the roles, responsibilities, and expected conduct of every servant within a grand or modest home. Structured as a practical guide, the book is organized by servant roles, providing clear, step-by-step instructions for each position, including housekeeper, butler, cook, valet, lady’s maid, nurse, governess, footman, coachman, gardener, and even the humble servant-of-all-work. Each chapter outlines the specific duties, daily routines, and necessary skills for the role, as well as advice on personal conduct, dress, and the maintenance of household order. The Adamses also address the relationships between servants and their employers, offering guidance on etiquette, communication, and the importance of discretion and loyalty. Beyond the daily tasks, The Complete Servant delves into the management of household accounts, the organization of large events, the care of fine furnishings and clothing, and the preparation of meals and remedies. It includes sample menus, cleaning recipes, and practical solutions to common domestic challenges, making it an invaluable resource for both servants and employers seeking to maintain a harmonious and efficient home. Rich in period detail, the book also serves as a fascinating social document, illuminating the hierarchies, expectations, and customs of Regency and early Victorian domestic life. Whether used as a historical reference, a practical manual, or a window into the past, The Complete Servant remains a remarkable testament to the skill, knowledge, and dedication required to manage a household in a bygone era.