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The Domestic Revolution

How the Introduction of Coal into Victorian Homes Changed Everything

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The Domestic Revolution

By: Ruth Goodman
Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon
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"The queen of living history" (Lucy Worsley) returns with an immersive account of how English women sparked a worldwide revolution - from their own kitchens.

No single invention epitomizes the Victorian era more than the black cast-iron range. Aware that the 21st-century has reduced it to a quaint relic, Ruth Goodman was determined to prove that the hot coal stove provided so much more than morning tea: It might even have kick-started the Industrial Revolution. Wielding the wit and passion seen in How to Be a Victorian, Goodman traces the tectonic shift from wood to coal in the mid-16th century - from sooty trials and errors during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to the totally smog-clouded reign of Queen Victoria. A pattern of innovation emerges as the women stoking these fires also stoked new global industries: from better soap to clean smudges to new ingredients for cooking. Laced with uproarious anecdotes of Goodman's own experience managing a coal-fired household, this fascinating book shines a hot light on the power of domestic necessity.

©2020 Ruth Goodman (P)2020 Tantor Europe Food & Wine Gastronomy Great Britain Royalty Revolution History
Fascinating Historical Insights • Phenomenal Research • Technical Proficiency • Compelling Social History • Steady Voice
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This is a fascinating read with a rarely before given viewpoint on history. The specificity and detail may be dry from time to time but I love how it demonstrates concrete proof and draws sensible and thoughtful conclusions.

Fascinating

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This may be the most enlightening work of social history I have ever encountered. It is a stunningly effective demonstration of why consumer decisions matter, and is fascinating m

This book is amazing

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I wish ruth goodman would have narrated it but it is still very interesting if you love wierd history

very enlightening to our domestic standards roots

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the nation was rather calm, but the information was fascinating. I recommend it to all my friends, if only to understand some things about English cuisine.

good stuff

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I loved the book, the information, the pacing. I didn't love the narrator. She delivers the book as if reading the driest academic treatise ever written. Ruth Goodman is a vivacious and delightful personality, match the narrator to the author and you'd have a real winner.

Deserves a better narrator.

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Elegantly argues how individual household decisions collectively made a profound impact on manifold historical processes related to societal attitudes, technology, tastes and the industrial revolution, giving agency to generally ignored historical actors. Narrative, which can be a bit tedious at times, generally crafts compellingly textured picture of daily life in the past.

Rich account of household life with compelling argument how individual actions help make history

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I know it doesn't sound like the most exciting thing in the world but I am always fascinated by how people manage to get things done on practical daily needs. This is a great telling about the shift from wood to coal and everything that required to make daily life work.

Great Everyday History

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Began a bit dry, but good once the points were made. The author really knows her stuff, of course, but the amount of research is phenomenal!

Well researched and quite informative. I loved it!

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I am a huge fan of Ruth Goodman. I wish she had narrated her book. The narrator did a great job, but knowing RG’s voice, I missed hearing it.

Detail of the research made interesting and enjoyable.

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Ruth Goodman is a superb writer/actor/presenter. Her way of presenting history allows the listener the ultimate experience to take as little or as much away as desired.
While the reader was very good, it would be an improvement if the author read the book herself.

The depth of research

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