Books I wish I'd written - hey, I probably did in a previous life and that's why I'm being punished.

This is my new favourite website, a motley collection of 19th century moral literature for children. Here you'll find miserable orphans, heathen children saved by missionaries, advice for young gentlemen and useful hints and tips on avoiding the pox. All edifying stuff! Here's a taster from an anti-tobacco pamphlet.

"WHEN cigarettes had put into his grave a boy of sixteen--mark you, lads! he's only one of many hurried away in this awful fashion--the press of the country had many things to say.
"To begin with you must know that cigarettes contain at least two actual poisons. One is called nicotine, and one drop of it will kill a full-grown dog. Another is called empyreumatic oil, and two drops of this will kill a cat almost instantly."

The moral of this book is don't leave your fag packet lying around if you have pets.

I want this one reprinted for Pooky and Puggle:

from ETIQUETTE FOR LITTLE FOLKS.
SUSIE SUNBEAM'S SERIES.

If you pass by your parents at any place, where you see them, either by themselves or with company, always bow to them.

Never speak to your parents without some title of repect, as Sir, Madam, &c.
Dispute not, nor delay to obey your parents' commands.

Never grumble, or show discontent at any thing your parents appoint, speak or do.
If any command or errand is given you to perform, do it with alacrity.
Bear with meekness and patience, and without murmuring or sullenness, your parents' reproofs or corrections, even if it should sometimes happen that they are undeserved.