Addressing the reader in a very personal way, Marion Harland (the penname for Mary Virginia Terhune) was an extraordinarily popular cookbook author in her time. Published in 1884, Common Sense in the Household is full of recipes and advice for the average housewife. With simple, straight-forward recipes based on bountiful 19th century ingredients such as grouse, oysters, venison, and vegetables, this book is treasure for modern cooks as well.