The Little Dinner is sort of a cookbook. But it’s more of a glimpse into the social customs of the late 19th century American middle class (I’m assuming). In that respect, it’s very interesting.
Its premise, by Christine Terhune Herrick, who was a sort of domestic expert (I’m thinking the Martha Stewart of her time), is that many people cannot afford to give huge, splendid dinners anymore. So, her intent is to instruct how to give a “little dinner.” By little dinner, though, she means one of four or five courses, with just one entree which may be preceded by fish and followed by game. Simple, huh?
Other interesting suggestions are that only one vegetable is required for such a dinner or that brocade table coverings are required. Oh, and you only need one maid. Well, that lets me out.
The structure of the book is to have several introductory chapters on such topics as how many guests to invite or how to decorate and set up the table. That is followed by a chapter on each type of food.
I’m not really a domestic person, but the book gave me an idea of the relative lavishness of middle-class life compared to now.
What? Me Read? 
I like historical cooking books. (I like foodie books in general, even though I don’t cook!) How did you come across this one?
It’s Quite Literally Books, a new U. S. reprint press, and when they first started publishing, I noticed them and asked for review copies. They only sent me the first few books (but beautifully wrapped and with bookmarks and a tote bag!), but after that, I decided to try to keep up with what they are publishing, since they have less than half a dozen books out so far, so as soon as they’ve announced new books, I’ve bought them.
That’s cool!
I always enjoy reading about domestic social history so this sounds a lot of fun to me!