Living on a Little

Caroline French Benton

Jul 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Living on a Little is a book by Caroline French Benton. Dolly, newly engaged, hopes to spend a year with her sister, Mrs. Thorne, so she can learn the ins and out of operating a home on a tight budget.

About the author

Caroline French Benton, whose full name was Caroline French Benton Paine, was an American author primarily recognized for her works focusing on domestic science and the art of living gracefully on a modest income. Born in the late 19th century, Benton carved a niche for herself in the literary world by addressing the day-to-day concerns of middle-class families, especially those of women seeking to maintain a refined household despite financial constraints. Her book 'Living on a Little', exemplifies this genre, providing practical advice and strategies for homemakers to maximize their resources without sacrificing their quality of life. Her writing style is characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and an engaging conversational tone, which appealed to a broad audience and offered guidance rooted in personal experience as well as research. By incorporating tips on frugality, household management, and culinary economy, Benton's work has been instrumental in helping families navigate the complexity of maintaining domestic elegance. Though less well-known today, her contribution to domestic literature remains a valuable source for understanding the social and cultural norms related to home economics during her time.