Examines the history of the governess in nineteenth-century England, using the papers of governesses including Anna Leonowens and the Bronte sisters.

Intro -- Contents -- List of Illustrations -- Acknowledgements -- Preface -- 1 Reader, I Married Him -- 2 A Matter of Necessity -- 3 Take a Lady -- 4 A Perfect Treadmill of Learning -- 5 They Dwell Alone -- 6 A Tabooed Woman -- 7 A Contract without Equality -- 8 A Lady with a Profession -- 9 Epilogue -- Appendix -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- P -- Q -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W -- Y

This richly illustrated book gives insight into the life of the Victorian governess, examining becoming a governess, methods and skills, problems they faced, the experience of living away from home, and fantasies of and about the governess.