This book by Felice Sta. Maria inventories the contents of a late-19th century and early-20th century house. The possessions of the rich were dazzling indeed! The writer places the furniture, lamps, glassware, china and silver, art and decorations, toys and clothes, and kitchenware in the context of our ancestors’ gracious and festive lifestyle. How disconcerting to find out that we imported everything from bathtubs to thimbles—and that the imports were hardly Europe’s or America’s best!
