JUDITH MARTIN

An updated edition of the best-selling classic by the popular author of the "Miss Manners" columns and etiquette guides is a new volume of letters, essays, illustrations, and humorous advice on how to navigate the world of civilized behavior. 40,000 first printing.

In this "wryly perceptive, historically informed" (BookPage) new book, America's leading expert on civility reminds her Gentle Readers that when the Founding Fathers created a revolution in the name of individual liberty and equality, they also took a stand against hierarchical European etiquette in favor of simplicity over ceremony, and personal dignity over obsequiousness to our rulers. Hailed by George Will as "The National Bureau of Standards," Judith Martin, who has "made etiquette writing an exercise in wit" (Book), recounts here how Americans fashioned this etiquette of egalitarian respect—a fascinating story that spans from the misunderstood origins of our table manners to the much overlooked legacy of African slaves to etiquette.

From Simon & Schuster, Miss Manners' Guide to Rearing Perfect Children is a primer for everyone worried about the future of civilization.In her inimitable, arch, no-nonsense style, Miss Manners provides etiquette guidance for every social situation from school dances to conversations at the family dinner table, explains how to impress a college admissions officer, and offers rules for divorced parents and weekend parents

With the wit, tact, and wisdom that have made Miss Manners a household name, America's foremost authority on civilized behavior takes you through every aspect of your personal, professional, and social life with ease and charm. From somewhat classic queries: * What do I wear to a job interview/felony trial/jacuzzi? * Where does the soup spoon/seafood fork/butter knife go? To comments on truly modern phenomena: * Call waiting is like a child screaming for attention * Leaky earphones are the equivalent of humming To strictly personal do's and don'ts: * Don't communicate everything in a marriage ("I had the wildest dream about a man at my office...") * Do continue the ancient custom of mealtimes, that is, breakfast, lunch, and dinner And professional guidelines: * Don't start grabbing company property after being fired * If a candy dish is on the visitor's side of a receptionist's desk, it is for visitors... Miss Manners offers consistently sound, sage advice to her Gentle Readers. With a tipping guide (including coat checks and pizza deliveries), sections devoted to both traditional and nontraditional households, details on protocol for ceremonies and celebrations, invitations and disinvitations, insights on courtship and romance, and much more, this is "the" comprehensive guide to a kinder, gentler, more civilized society.

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