The Art of Living in Australia
Philip E. Muskett
Sydney University Press
ISBN: 9781920898601

The Art of Living in Australia was first published in 1893 and urged the value of Mediterranean eating and drinking habits for the Australian way of life. An experienced physician, Philip E. Muskett promoted healthy living habits appropriate for the climate and conditions of 19th century Australia, including the best clothing, household arrangements, necessary exercise and a healthy diet. Finding a resemblance between the conditions of southern Europe, he implores British-born Australians to eat more vegetables and less meat, in the style of those from the Mediterranean.

The book also contains over 300 recipes contributed by Mrs Wicken, lecturer in charge of 'domestic economy' at Sydney Technical College, including for salads, vegetable dishes, seafood and sweets.

This new edition includes the original index, plus facsimiles of pages from the 1893 edition of historical interest.

• The complete guide to living Down Under in 1893!
• Features over 300 original recipes
• The first Australian guide to recommend the Mediterranean diet
• Includes chapters on everyday life and food in 19th century Australia - clothing, health, exercise, the kitchen and more
• Also contains a complete guide to Australian wine growing

Author Biography

Philip E. Muskett was an Australian-born medical practitioner and health reformer. Born in Collingwood in 1857, he studied medicine at universities in Melbourne, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and then practised in London before returning to Melbourne. In 1882 he took up a position at Sydney Hospital, and remained an honorary surgeon there after going into private practice.

As many of his patients were children, he became interested in infant health and mortality, and particularly the role of nutrition in preventing illness. This led to The Art of Living in Australia, published in 1893, his call to the Australian population to rethink all aspects of their physical life, and embrace Australia's 'Mediterranean' climate. His recommendations included best practices for ablution, bedroom ventilation, appropriate clothing for hot and cold weather, diet and exercise.