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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).

Book cover

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…

Portrait of woman

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?

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)