The Greatest Plague of Life: or The Adventures of a Lady in Search of a Good Servant

London: David Bogue, 1847. First edition. Near Fine. Finely bound by the Kelliegram Bindery in fine red crushed morocco, recreating the George Cruikshank illustration from page 215 on the front cover in inlaid morocco. Green silk paste-downs and end papers, all edge gilt, decorative gilt details and inlaid morocco on the four corners of the front and rear boards. Front hinge a bit tender, otherwise in lovely, Near Fine condition. Internal contents in excellent condition.

Augustus and Henry Mayhew combine forces to narrate the story of an anonymous woman who believes only one thing is lacking in her life: a housekeeper. Nameless -- likely so that readers can put themselves into her place -- the protagonist is otherwise fulfilled by her loving husband and two daughters. But she struggles with balancing her happy family life against the challenges of managing the domestic space she inhabits. "I had long felt (though I had never liked to confess as much) that my domestic cares had been making inroads upon my health and constitution that I never could restore...I was sick and tired of house-keeping and servants, and only too glad to wash my hands of them altogether." Near Fine.