The Pocket Household Encyclopedia: What To Do - How To Do It, compiled and edited by N.H. and S.K. Mager. Pocket edition, 1951, 1953, 1954. (New York: Pocket Books, Inc.) Twelve Big Manuals in One Big Volume, 1000+ charts and illustration, 10,000+ "helpful hints on how to save time, effort, energy and money".As you can see from its condition and from the repairs, this was an often called for book in our family home - with information on all kinds of topics. From home decorating to first aid, spot removal, etiquette and cooking, insects or vegetables, it was all in here.
I know 'it's all on the Internet' now, but really - wasn't this convenient - and no added expense - no batteries, no power needed - after bringing it home from the bookstore. Sadly, this book is no longer as useful. Its pages are torn, its index has fallen out, it's ready for reincarnation, but not, I hope, in a computer manual. That would be sad!
Now the Magers, I would think, must have been an interesting couple. I wonder if they were both handy? Did they test all their tips? Did they have encyclopedic memories or card files full? Nathan H. Mager and Sylvia (Kornmehl) were their names. (Nathan H. Mager, obituary, The New York Times, published April 3, 1986.)
