Jane Stoker let me down. I refer to the same Jane Stoker who – as I'm sure you know – was lecturer of Domestic Economy at Stockwell Training College, London, England, back in 1876. I’ll give you the full facts and let you judge if my complaint is not justified.

I was browsing around an antique books shop in London, when my gaze fell on a book titled “HOME COMFORT: A Complete Manual of Domestic Economy for Schools and Colleges”. The price was stiff (GBP 24), but as soon as I got to page 8, I decided to make the investment. Page 8, which couldn’t be more in tune with my own thoughts, states in no uncertain terms:

     “The father should indirectly rule the house. His wishes, expressed or understood, should be law: the household arrangements should be made with a view to his comfort and convenience…Home should be to him a haven of rest. He should not directly interfere in the management of the house, which is the wife’s province, nor should he be in any way troubled with houselhold matters.”