In the late 19th century, housework in some British homes was so labor intensive that it required an army of savvy servants to undertake it; since then, the ways in which we look after our homes may have changed but the methods from that time still work for us today. Combining "below-stairs" social history with startling facts and useful tips, the author of Servants details the skills needed to battle household dust, rust, mildew, stains, and pests. Often humorous and consistently informative, the book also features dozens of vintage illustrations in color and black and white.