TRADUguide - Your Guide to Translators and Translation Agencies

160 months ago

Barbara Cochran (a guest user) asked this question:

This question has already been answered and rated. Therefore, no new answers can be given.

160 months ago

Amanda Haste PhD, DipTrans(IoLET), MCIL, CL   wrote:

equip you with a handy guide to [i.e. understanding of] the peculiarities/eccentricities

My comment:

Vademecum (lit.) = ready reckoner/handbook but this seems to be more of a metaphorical sense

My references:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/vade+mecum

Comments by other colleagues on this answer:

160 months ago

   wrote:

That's exactly what it means.

160 months ago

MAGLO   wrote:

they would find themselves possesed with vademecum

My comment:

the new entrants in Wurts mundane house would find themselves behaving strangely

My references:

Dizionario della lingua Italiana by G. Devoto and G. C. Olio

160 months ago

MAGLO   wrote:

(they) would go to their house fully instructed

My comment:

Well, I'm not an English-native speaker, but mine is a mere suggestion just to explain what the original sentence means. "Muniti di un vademecum", in this context, means that the new guests (probably warned and instructed by the old ones) would go to the Wurtses's house, being aware that their hostess is a quirky lady.
I don't think the author means a concrete take-along handbook/guide/catalogue to the lady's eccentricities, but, then again, let the context guide you on the right track.

Comments by other colleagues on this answer:

160 months ago

Amanda Haste PhD, DipTrans(IoLET), MCIL, CL   wrote:

I agree that this is metaphorical. I don't think for a moment that this is a literal handbook!

The asker rated this answer best

160 months ago

MAGLO   wrote:

who would get there found themselves with a vade mecum at their side