Dorothy Hartley

Dorothy-hartley

Dorothy Hartley (4 October 1893 – 9 October 1985) was an English social historian, illustrator, and author. She is best known for her book Food in England, which is considered a classic of English food writing.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Rosaman Hartley was born in Skipton, Yorkshire, England. She was the daughter of a clergyman and grew up in a rural environment, which greatly influenced her later work. Hartley attended Leeds University where she studied art and later became a teacher.

Career

Hartley began her career as an illustrator and writer. She contributed to various magazines and newspapers, including The Daily Sketch and The Lady. Her work often focused on rural life and traditional crafts, which she documented through both writing and illustrations.

Food in England

Published in 1954, Food in England is Hartley's most famous work. The book is a comprehensive survey of English food and cooking traditions, combining historical research with practical recipes and anecdotes. It remains a seminal text in the field of food history and has never been out of print.

Other Works

In addition to Food in England, Hartley wrote several other books, including The Land of England (1935), Medieval Costume and Life (1931), and Lost World (1933). These works further explore English history, culture, and traditions.

Legacy

Dorothy Hartley's work has had a lasting impact on the study of English social history and food culture. Her meticulous research and engaging writing style have made her books valuable resources for historians, chefs, and anyone interested in traditional English life.

Related Pages

• Food in England
• English cuisine
• Social history
• Traditional crafts
• The Lady (magazine)