Latvia's National Library Explores Forgotten Enlightenment-Era Advice Books
The National Library of Latvia is currently hosting an intriguing exhibition, 'Bees, Smallpox, Potatoes', which delves into the early practical advice books of the Age of Enlightenment. This era, marked by figures like 'Old Stender' and works such as 'Žūpu Bērtulis' and 'Robinson Crusoe', also saw the birth of a new literary genre: books offering practical guidance for daily life. As Latvia prepares to celebrate the 500th anniversary of its books in 2025, these forgotten yet fascinating texts are being rediscovered and brought to light.
The exhibition explores how authors of these practical advice books employed various tactics to engage readers. They shared personal experiences, wove advice into fictional stories, and covered a wide range of topics. One notable example is Christoph Harder's 'Ta pirma Pawaru Grahmata' (The First Cookery Book, 1795), which provided culinary guidance to its readers. Despite the lack of well-documented Baltic Enlightenment-era authors specialising in such works, these books offer valuable insights into the daily lives and concerns of people over two centuries ago.
Topics covered in these books were diverse and practical, including farming, animal husbandry, gardening, beekeeping, potato and clover cultivation, financial literacy, and health advice. Published between the mid-18th and mid-19th centuries, around 50 such books were printed in Latvian, along with numerous articles in supplements, newspapers, and magazines. The impact of these books on readers is difficult to quantify, but it's clear that some advice was found useful while other suggestions were ignored.
The 'Bees, Smallpox, Potatoes' exhibition is a fascinating journey into the practical wisdom of the past. As Latvia looks towards its literary future, these early advice books serve as a reminder of the enduring value of practical knowledge and the power of literature to inform and inspire. As the 500th anniversary of Latvian books approaches, the rediscovery and promotion of these forgotten works are a testament to the country's rich literary heritage.
