Aunt Epp's Guide for Life

Elspeth Marr (1871–1947) – also known as Aunt Epp – was the great-great-aunt of acclaimed author Christopher Rush, who only knew her for two brief years before her death. Long after Aunt Epp passed away, Christopher's mother discovered the boxes of papers and diaries written by Aunt Epp to an unnamed 'young girl' in her life, which now make up Aunt Epp's Guide For Life. Aunt Epp penned her life lessons, which form a fascinating glimpse of Victorian life, over sixty years. Sassy and opinionated, Aunt Epp was not afraid to voice her views and give her advice on topics ranging from adultery to wrinkles God to genitals and the uses of sperm to 'softening of the member'. In a time when mentioning such things would be deemed unladylike and improper Epp leaves nothing unsaid. It is a true testament to the changing times that Epp's guide can now be published, enjoyed and put to use by everyone – and that even by today's standards, no question is too squeamish for Epp's shrewd commentary.