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I love reading old text books or newspapers and so on, especially from the end of the 19th century, because society as we know it has change in such a vast way since then, and this is most evident in editorials and text books.
One of the thing that I have noticed in common with all the books from that period - is the black and white philosophy (not racism, but right and wrong, good and bad and how clearly they are defined. Its as if grey only happened in the 1960’s). The thing that never fails to jump out at me is how chauvinistic society was at the time, and how gender based the thinking was.
I just read a great post on Fishing for History, in which Dr. Todd quotes an article form the New York Times, dated January 1891 which was very interesting to read.
It was all about collecting and displaying fishing paraphernalia and decorating a mans library or den with it.
The fisherman’s study or library is now receiving more attention than at any previous time, and all manner of devices in the shape of decorations are being placed upon the walls to remind the angler of enjoyable sojournings on stream or lake….If the angler’s wife is at all artistic she will see that the decorations in his den, smoking room, or whatever it may be called, are arranged in a tasteful manner and to his satisfaction.
In another part of the article - the cons of stuffed fish are discussed
With a few pictures of trout or bass a start can be made…Sometimes an attempt is made to prepare decorations of stuffed fish. Stuffed fish, as a rule, are a failure. They seldom look well.
Anyway, go over and read, it will make your day 
