There are no ugly women ; there are only women who do not know how to look pretty – Berryer.
Recently, I catalogued a short book titled “Woman” [1919.9.84], which was made up of quotations from a variety of authors and poets. The book was illustrated by a famous, self-taught artist: Starr Wood (1870-1944).
My first impression of the book was that it portrayed women in a wonderful way and at the same time I realised that my thoughts coincided with the 8th of March, which is International Women’s Day. This is a global day celebrating the life of women and their economic, political and social achievements past, present and future.
A woman is the essence of life. She is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a lover, a wife…
Quotes from Don Lemon about The Perfect Woman:
A perfectly formed woman will stand at the average height of 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 7 inches. She will weigh from 125 to 140 pounds.
Her bust will measure from 28 to 36 inches ; her hips will measure from 6 to 10 inches more than this, and her waist will call for a belt from 22 to 28 inches.
The well-proportioned woman wears a shoe one half the size of the glove that her hand calls for. Thus, if a woman wears a six glove she should wear a three shoe.
Perfect woman?
The book also tells us what women will be like based on their month of birth. Not the most scientific method, but fun nevertheless :
Woman’s Birthday:
If in January. A flirt, good-tempered, but not to be trusted
If in February. Good-looking, discreet, and likely to marry young.
If in March. Quarrelsome and moody.
If in April. Very intelligent. A good housewife.
If in May Given to melancholy but good-tempered.
If in June Frivolous, pretty and much liked.
If in July. Extravagant, but likely to marry rich.
If in August. Coquettish, a favourite with men.
If in September. An affectionate wife and good mother.
If in October. Impetuous; likely to be unhappy.
If in November. Passionate in love ; inconstant.
If in December. Well-proportioned ; practical and matter-of-fact
Happy International Women’s Day! (8th March)
Photo credit: Aime Wheaton/Mazer Design, Christy-2 catnipstudio, Eoin C. (Flickr)
Hmm the ‘perfect’ woman based only her looks and body – sad
What if the glove-size is too big?
(I ask on somebody else’s behalf…)
The proportions given suggest that women were more curvy in those days!
I like the birthday characteristics. Mine wasn’t quite right: Extravagant, yes … but when do i get to marry rich?