Ungovernable: The Victorian Parent’s Guide to Raising Flawless Children

Prepare to be hilariously horrified and enlightened by Therese Oneill's *Ungovernable: The Victorian Parent's Guide to Raising Flawless Children*, a wickedly funny and sharply observed guide to the bizarre and often baffling world of Victorian parenting. From the author of the acclaimed *Unmentionable*, Oneill once again dives headfirst into the peculiarities of the past, armed with wit, historical insight, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Forget modern parenting anxieties; this book will make you grateful for disposable diapers and evidence-based advice! *Ungovernable* isn't just a history lesson; it's a comedic masterclass in highlighting the absurdities of Victorian social norms as they applied to the delicate (and not-so-delicate) art of raising children. Oneill masterfully deconstructs the Victorian obsession with producing "flawless" offspring, exposing the pseudoscientific beliefs, questionable medical practices, and downright dangerous advice that governed every aspect of a child's life, from conception to adulthood. Within these pages, you'll discover the Victorian's surprisingly strong opinions on everything from the ideal maternal temperament (avoid being ugly, sickly, or stupid, apparently) to the best room decor for conceiving a male heir. Explore the accepted practices of "treating" ailments with surprisingly strong drugs like opium, cyanide and heroin, questioning the sanity behind the advice. Delve into the complex world of wet nurses and the surprising criteria used to select the perfect "peasant teat" for your precious bundle of joy. And prepare to be shocked by the Victorian's anxieties about food turning children into "sexual deviants" - because apparently, everything could lead to moral decay! Oneill doesn't just present the facts; she dissects them with a sharp, satirical eye. She's a feminist historian who isn't afraid to call out the sexism, classism, and sheer ridiculousness of Victorian society. *Ungovernable* is filled with historical anecdotes, bizarre illustrations, and clever commentary that will have you laughing out loud while simultaneously questioning everything you thought you knew about the past. This illustrated edition further enhances the reading experience, bringing the Victorian era to life with authentic visuals that perfectly complement Oneill's witty prose. The book's clever design and engaging layout make it a joy to read, even as you're learning about the most cringe-worthy aspects of Victorian parenting. Jenny Lawson, author of *Let's Pretend This Never Happened*, describes Oneill's work as "hysterically funny and unsettlingly fascinating," and that sentiment perfectly encapsulates the experience of reading *Ungovernable*. It's a book that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you appreciate the progress (however imperfect) that we've made in the field of child-rearing. *Ungovernable: The Victorian Parent's Guide to Raising Flawless Children* is a perfect gift for history buffs, humor enthusiasts, parents in need of a good laugh, and anyone who enjoys a witty and insightful exploration of the past. Prepare to be entertained and educated in equal measure!