Hygge: Cozy, Comforting Reads

Dec 12, 2024 | Announcements, Library

By Research Librarian Jessica McClain

As the nights grow long and we bid farewell to the daylight, it’s time to create some light and comfort of our own to see us through the coming winter season. In recent years, the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) has gained popularity as we look for ways to slow down and unwind from the constant busy-ness of modern life. This concept embraces the celebration of life’s small joys and prioritizes informal time together with family and close friends—a perfect notion for this time of year. So, make yourself snug, grab a cup of tea and a favorite blanket, and curl up with some of my favorite cozy offerings from the Athenaeum’s collection.

Find the listed titles on display in the Sawtelle Reading Room through the month of December.

Pride and Prejudice

FICTION

My comfort-reads are definitely based in English literature. This one transports me back to my high-school aged self who identified strongly with Elizabeth Bennett, her wit, occasional impertinence, and her unconventional nature. This satirical novel of late 18th century English social life and love continues to delight readers with an insight and cleverness that has proved timeless. How many times can I watch Miss Bennett pitted against Mr. Darcy, only to have them fall in love in spite of themselves? I don’t know, but at least once or twice more.

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. PR4034 .P7

Wuthering Heights

FICTION

Brontë’s gothic novel of love, passion, and vengeance set on the Yorkshire Moors is perhaps not the most cheerful read on this list. The narrative echoes the rustic and wild nature of the moors. Much like the land itself, this story of love and lovers lost to each other due to social mores and misunderstanding is wild and unrestrained, in great contrast to an idealized 19th century British life. This brings me back to my 20-year-old self, reading this book in front of a fireplace as a storm raged outside of a hostel in North Yorkshire, making it another of my favorite comfort books.

Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights. PR4172. W7 1980

My Life in France

BIOGRAPHY

Julia Child was a fixture in my childhood home. Her approach to cooking and entertaining sit at the center of my conception of hygge. In this memoir, Child remembers the meals and markets that kindled her interest in French Cuisine. She discusses her studies at the Cordon Bleu, the development of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and the creation of her television cooking program. Throughout the book, we are introduced again and again to Julia’s great loves: her husband, Paul, and the world of food.

Child, Julia, with Alex Prud’homme. My Life in France.

Northern Comfort: New England’s Early Quilts 1781-1850

NON-FICTION

This work draws from the extensive quilt collection held by Old Sturbridge village, celebrating the artistry of the early New England women who created them. It showcases a variety of quilt styles including whole cloth, appliqué, and patchwork. Including examples of quilts and quilted garments, the book tells the often-untold story of the region’s quilting heritage.

Bassett, Lynne Z. and Jack Larkin. Photographs by Thomas Neill. Northern Comfort: New England’s Early Quilts 1781-1850. NK9112 .B39 199

The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide

NON-FICTION

There are few things in life more comforting than a properly made cup of tea. This book offers up a reference for choosing, drinking, and enjoying your cuppa in a variety of styles and traditions. Tea traders Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss discuss over thirty tea varietals, provide a guide to tea tasting and brewing, and explore customs and crafts associated with the drink.

Heiss, Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss. The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide. TX415 .H44 2007

Cheese and Culture: A History of Cheese and Its Place in Western Civilization

NON-FICTION

For lovers of food, science, and history, this extensively researched yet accessible history of cheesemaking and its connections to the development of Western Civilization is highly recommended. Kindstedt takes us on a journey from the ancient origins of cheese over 9000 years ago and the traditional styles that emerged throughout different periods including the classical, medieval, Renaissance, and modern eras.

Kindstedt, Paul S. Cheese and Culture: A History of Cheese and Its Place in Western Civilization. SF270 .K56 2012

Jane Austen’s Country Life: Uncovering the Rural Backdrop to Her Life, Her Letters and Her Novels

NON-FICTION

This beautifully illustrated book discusses life in the rural south of England that Jane Austen would have experienced during her short life. Her family lived in two Hampshire villages where her father not only served as a rector, but also as a farmer managing a property greater than 200 acres. This exploration of the state of agriculture in England during Austen’s lifetime gives greater clarity to her letters and to aspects of her novels. It is a charming rendering of a lost part of Regency England, essential to understanding the author’s life and work.

Le Faye, Dierdre. Jane Austen’s Country Life: Uncovering the Rural Backdrop to Her Life, Her Letters and Her Novels. PR4036 .L434 2012

Our Own Snug Fireside: Images of the New England Home 1760-1860

NON-FICTION

This delightful portrayal of New England life during the century between the American Revolution and the Civil War presents the complex reality of everyday life in old New England. While the rural home was idealized and industries arose to help create and preserve one’s “own snug fireside,” the realities of daily life required specific arrangements and routine.  In this social history of forgotten women’s work Nylander provides a glimpse into the intimate details of middle- and upper-class home life including discussions of housework, clothing, kitchens, diet, and socializing.

Nylander, Jane C. Our Own Snug Fireside: Images of the New England Home 1760-1860. F8 .N95 1993