The piece of primary prescriptive literature for women that I chose to examine appeared in the Godey’s Lady’s Book, which was a monthly publication that circulated from 1830 to 1898. The magazine was intended to entertain, inform, and educate the women of America. In addition to extensive fashion descriptions and plates, the early issues included biographical sketches, articles about mineralogy, handcrafts, female costume, the dance, equestrienne procedures, health & hygiene, recipes & remedies, etc. The magazine later …showed first 75 words of 1087 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1087 total…debutante ball or party has now lost one of its major functions, which was to introduce the young woman to marriageable men. Today, women mostly establish social connections on their own, and there is little need to formally introduce them to society. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** References: “Home and Society Manners: LETTER FIRST - Aunt Amanda to her niece, Charlotte Morse,” Godey’s Lady’s Book, February 1888. Available: http://www.spiritone.com/~zsk/hartarch/novht96.htm. 6 February 2001.