I recently bought an album of opinions hand-written in the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century. I would guess that the album was started by a teacher (Maria G.), and that the other entries are by student teachers based in the London area.
The album offers a fascinating glimpse into the interests of "normal" people of the time. Dip into the book and discover examples of contemporary humour, such as in some of the answers to the question "Who is the greatest living composer?" Find out which respondents mentioned medicines; and find out who replied "Not having taken their measure I cannot tell."
The title of the book is Maria G.'s favourite motto.
I decided that the album was too good to remain hidden, and so I came to put together Trust In God, & Keep Your Powder Dry. I am to publish the book in March 2007.
In the meantime, this is an example of a page in Trust In God, & Keep Your Powder Dry. I have not been able to reproduce on this wiki the layout of the book - which is in a far more attractive format than that below!
================================================================
The Opinion of E. A.
Date 11.12.1895
Your idea of true happininess
Sufficient health, cash & friends
Your idea of misery?
Having to wear boots a size too small.
What is your ambition in life?
To do my duty in all things.
Which are your favourite books?
Cheque-books.
When should a man marry?
When he knows his own mind.
When should a woman marry?
When she gets the chance.
Is love at first sight lasting?
'Tis to memory.
Would you marry for love or money?
Love is of little use without money.
Do you consider marriage a failure?
Not in my case.
Is life worth living?
Sometimes.
If not yourself, who would you be?
Somebody's darling.
Which is your favourite poem?
My best hat.
May 19 2007 Come along to the Lincolnshire Literature Day at the Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As well as having the opportunity to see (and perhaps buy!) my books, you will be able to see the original hand-written album that I based Trust in God, & Keep Your Powder Dry on.
Read more about the Lincoln Book Festival
