"Good literature in any form was extremely scarce amongst the lower ranks, and it was in recognition of this fact that, as far back as 1877, one publisher brought out The Homely Friend for Young Women and Girls to help cultivate their minds by giving them 'good and pleasant things to think of'. The Editor, in her introduction, said:   'We know that most of you have not much time for reading, or many opportunities of getting books (except bad ones), so we want in this little paper, which everyone can have for her very own, and which will not take long to read, to collect for you everything that will interest or help you' " (White, p.71).