Godey's Lady's Book was one of several publications for women. The publication considered itself to be the "queen of monthlies". Other publications for women in the later half of the 1800s included Peterson, Harper's Bazaar and Demorest's.

Godey's began its publication in [1840]. Published in Philadelphia and edited by Mrs. Sarah Hale, the publication was available nationwide. One had the option to subscribe to the monthly publication from one to 12 issues a year. The copy for a single issue was $3.00 or $27.50 for 11 issues plus an extra.

The publishers saw their mission to educate the total woman and help provide her with solutions to the challenges of everyday life. Each issue included works of fiction, the latest fashion, recipes for cleaning and cooking, educational activities for children, and the exchange of ideas among their readership. Articles attempted to keep women apprised of technical developments, such as the sewing machine, the latest medical information, home remedies and advice.

The American fascination with royalty is nothing new. Godey's Lady's Book also included coverage of European Royalty and their social events as a way of giving insights into future fashion trends. Music and poetry provided additional artistic avenues of exploration. Studies in costume history and architecture were also included in various issues to inform and educate their public. In addition to patterns for clothing and toys, Godey's Lady's Book also provided instructions and patterns for many needlework projects.

Godey's also presented its readership with mail order opportunities. This was one of the first publications to offer this service. During the 1850s, the magazine served as a direct resource for the consumer. In the mid-1860s, one begins to see an increase in direct advertisements and house plans by mail.

The excerpts from the July 1865 issue give you an opportunity to see the cover of the magazine and the fashion plates in that copy. One special note is to know that the major fashion plate fold-out is colored by hand. The monthly "Chit-Chat" on fashion is included here as well.

There are more sites available on the web to access and share information about Godey's Lady's Book and Victorian clothing; following are four such sites:
Godey's Lady's Book Online
Hope Greenberg: Godey's Lady's Book
Godey's Mail Home Page
The Victorian Fashion Pages