Bøker av Penelope Fritzer

This work is a historical and literary survey of humorists who wrote about home. It looks at the social context of and attitudes toward traditional domestic roles and housewives. It covers the different time periods and the foremost American domestic humorists.

This study demonstrates Austen's parallels with 18th century courtesy books in shaping her characters. Educational and recreational activities in her works are often similar to the activities recommended by the courtesy books of her time.