A Victorian Guide to Healthy Living

South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 2009. Hardcover. New. Gift quality./New. A fascinating and bemusing look into Victorian health practices. Dr. Thomas Allinson (1858-1918) was a doctor, writer, businessman, and proponent of vegetarianism and women's rights. In this work, Anna Selby compiles his writing, providing a look into Victorian advice, health culture, and cooking. The book features nearly 200 pages of Victorian-era advice from Allinson, who professes to keep a non-flesh diet, abstain from alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and coffee, and rise between 7 and 8 am every day and take a walk before breakfast, "no matter how cold, wet or foggy." Containing everything from Allinson's thoughts on tea ("tea drinking is injurious and should never be indulged in; all are best without it") to his essay on "How to Become Beautiful and Attractive," the book offers insights into health advocacy of another era. Also included are over 110 Victorian-era recipes, such as Almond Pudding and Cucumber salad.