Life is fun, if you can take it. But pleasant things and lovely things do not happen often enough of their own accord. And everyday living goes flat, if you leave it alone. Life is too short for us to bore ourselves. And to find happiness you must work for it. Eleanor Early, 1941

{HISTORY}

Noted throughout her career as an engaging writer, whether she was focusing on travel stories, murder trials, cookbooks, war or fashion, Eleanor Early (1895-1969) was anything but dull when it came to real life and the communication of it.

A journalist, dancer, artist's model, world traveler, cook, entrepreneur and prolific author, Eleanor knew how to keep things interesting. And the moment those interesting things turned dull, she dropped them and went off in search of something new. Born in Massachusetts, Eleanor studied to become a kindergarten teacher, but the traditional life of teaching little ones day in and day out quickly lost its appeal. She set off on an international travel adventure and never looked back at the classroom life again. 

Although she never married, she was considered a bit of an expert on how to attract and keep members of the opposite sex enchanted with feminine wiles and good recipes.   In 1941, she published an etiquette book, originally titled She Knew What He Wanted that was centered around harnessing feminine power. It was a primer of types on how to live your best life that included her thoughts on love, dating, decorating, fashion, entertaining, cooking, and communication.  

Fascinating on a host of different levels, given the time period in which it was published (WWI) and the convivial warmth and humor in its tone, this book's name was changed to She Knows How in 1946 but all the information stayed the same. Giving readers tips and tricks on how to attract a life full of gaiety, color, excitement and romance, spending time in the world of Eleanor Early here in She Knows How is like having a fun and engaging conversation with your best girlfriend. 

Eleanor Early portrait courtesy of the Stockton Evening and Sunday Record - August 15 1928

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 1946 Edition published by Circle Books

- 188 pages

- Hard to find book 

- Interesting recipes include Kentucky Special, Nantucket Corn Pudding, Apple Sauce Cake, Rainbow Chicken, King Edward VII Savory, 1000 Mile Biscuit Dough and Rainbow Peas

 - Illustrated throughout with whimsical black and white line drawings by Jane Miller

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. A previous owner made a handwritten recipe index on the front inside cover and endpaper. There are several spots throughout the book that have been noted in pencil via underlining or parentheses as well as a note on the back endpaper about foods utilized in "reducing diet". These personal touches add another intimate view to the subject at hand. The back cover board bears a light stain in the top left corner. All interior pages are clean and bright. The spine is tight. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8.25" inches (length) x 5.5" inches (width) x .75" inches (thickness) and weighs 12 oz.