First edition, first and only impression, of this "vivid picture of one side of the world of fashion and of the cost to those who serve it" (Pall Mall Gazette), written by the acclaimed journalist and writer on household management. It is uncommon institutionally and commercially; we have seen one other copy in a cheap "popular edition" binding of flexible cloth wrappers. "Inspired by her sister, who was illustrating articles for The Queen, Constance Dorothy Evelyn Peel [OBE (1869-1934)] won a competition for a dress article in Woman. Despite her poor education, she went on to write for most of the popular magazines and newspapers of her time, her earnings giving her an unusual amount of financial independence" (ODNB). Family hardships prompted a change in career and Peel opened a hat shop with her friend Ethel Kentish. "The business met with some success, with famous clients such as Ellen Terry. However, she had doubts about the morality of fashion and eventually decided to close down