How to be Happy Though Married: Being a Handbook to Marriage (eBook)

E. J. Hardy was a noteworthy figure in the literary domain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, renowned for his insightful perspectives on social and domestic matters of his time. Hardy penned 'How to be Happy Though Married: Being a Handbook to Marriage,' which remains his most distinguished work, serving as a socio-culturally illuminative text that reflects the Victorian era's sensibilities towards matrimony and gender roles. The book, often described as a blend of humor and wisdom, hinges on the premise that a successful marriage requires effort and understanding from both partners. It functions as a guide, proffering advice to both newlyweds and the long-married on the virtues and mutual consideration necessary to navigate marital life. Even though Hardy's suggestions are significantly colored by the norms of his time, his work continues to be referenced for its historical value and its earnest attempt to dissect the intricacies of conjugal happiness. The literary style of E. J. Hardy, characterized by an engaging and paternal tone, echoes the dominant didactic trends of the Victorian era, raising points that are at times controversial by contemporary standards but nonetheless reflective of the prevailing thoughts of his society. Hardy's contributions to the field of marriage and relationship discourse provide valuable insight into the social fabric of his epoch and remind modern-day readers of the evolution of societal norms concerning marriage and gender dynamics.