Godey's Lady's Book

Godey's Lady's Book was a 19th-century American monthly women's magazine. It began publication in 1830 as The Lady's Book. "Godey's" was added to the title about 1840. It was also known as Godey's Magazine. It was published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Louis Antoine Godey.

Godey's Lady's Book
EditorSarah Josepha Hale
CategoriesWomen's magazine
FrequencyMonthly
Circulation150,000 (in 1860)
PublisherLouis Antoine Godey
FounderLouis Antoine Godey
Year founded1830
First issueJuly 1830 (as The Lady's Book)
Final issueAugust 1898
CountryUnited States
Based inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
LanguageEnglish

In 1836, Godey bought the Boston-based American Ladies' Magazine, and merged it with his own magazine. Sarah Josepha Hale became the literary editor. Contents included recipes, etiquette, health advice, fiction, poetry, fashions, household tips, exercises, moral instruction, etc. The monthly fashion plates were hand-colored by 150 women. Unusual for the times, the magazine's contents were copyrighted.

Subscriptions dropped off during the American Civil War, though the magazine was careful not to mention politics, war, or other divisive or controversial topics. Public interest in the magazine declined after Godey and Hale retired. The magazine was absorbed by Puritan in 1898.

Godey's Lady's Book Media

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