Notes:
- Good book, make sure to leave some room for thought. This book is no bible, but it is a great guideline to use in any situation.
- Book is in fine condition with its soft pink pages. Well read and well taken care of. How could a book of Etiquette not be?
- Has a section on writing Angry Letters that will save you trouble instead of throwing you into it, and love letters that wont condemn you
- Well balanced. A nice touch of Feminism with and understanding heart for men.
- Pre-Marriage suggestions such as: Thinking about things you remember your mother or father doing that you really didn't like and telling your partner
- Nice piece on Smoking habits in bed. Useful
- Great section on Allowance for kids
- Toddler Table Manners
- Good read. Is very colorfully written with good humor
- Should a child be Seen and not Heard? Its an age old question that this book answer briefly and clearly
- Great Section on Parent-Child Relationship
- Parents have rights to. A topic many of today's parents forget about. Parents have the right to be treated fairly by their kids.
- A Chapter on when kids should date. Great points about when Boy's should date, and how to go about it respectfully and politely
- Even in the early fifties, Divorce happened to every 4 out of 5 marriages. Wow!
- Its ok to talk to strangers, especially if your traveling or running errands. The English always believed that no one should talk to anyone they don't know, and no one should talk to them. Screw that! You never know what interesting conversation you might have with someone the next time your on a bus.
- A nice long section about Manners In Your Car, there are lots of people who need to read them! Especially "The Good Driver"
- How to dress properly for such sports as: Golf, Hunting, skiing, skating and more
- A Section a piece for the well groomed Man or Woman, both inside and out
- All the old favorites that have been thrown out the window: Table manners, home entertainment, household management (mostly for stay at home moms), and much more
I absolutely have to tell you about a book that was recently found in my Grandparents old dusty book shelf. But before I can tell you about it, I must give a short story about this book.
It was a dark and stormy night. Not only outside, but also inside the house. My Love and his 9 year old were at a wits battle once again, and he found himself musing about it in the library. Looking at several of the mammoth sized old testimates, he saw a book tucked secretly between them. This book that belonged to my Mother's Mother. One that has exhibited traditions that have been forgotten with time. This book is one I am not surprised to have seen disappear from bookstores. Most of its idea's are out dated, or stretched into new truths. Amazingly, in its original 1952 binding, it is in nearly perfect condition, with soft and lightly touched pink pages.
I don't see how anyone could expect any less from a book called:
Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book Of Etiquette: A Guide to Gracious Living
The irony of it kills me.
Why is this a good book? I know your asking this article in earnest. I feel it's a good book because it talks about forgotten values and morals that so many are in need of in today's society. To put it in looser terms, I think a lot of people forgot their manners. You know, like saying "excuse me" when we bump into someone or need to get around them. Things such as, not driving like a lunatic or smoking in bed. This book gives so many vivid details into as many aspects as you can think of. Starting with weddings and ending with Manners In Your Car, this book will leave you with very few questions, and being highly amused.
This book is from 1952, how can you say it relates in today's world? To that I would have to tell you just to read the book. I must say that there are a few idea's in this book that might be a little out dated, but I really feel this book is a good Guide, not a Bible to live by word for word. Although I must say, I do find myself looking back to it again and again for advice.
Is this a parenting book? What if I don't have any kids, is this book still for me? You know, I truly feel this book would be a great read for anyone. A Parent, Child, Teenager, Wife, Husband, Friend, Colleague, Strangers, and more. It covers so much. This book is for everyone!To be frank (Well, I guess I can't be frank since I'm a woman, but you get the idea…), this book is a great read, Amy Vanderbilt did a great job of covering nearly everything you can think of. With 665 pages of clear easily read print, and a few cute pictures, its more than enough to teach you some skills in life to answer the questions it cant.
Why should I read this book? It will make you laugh, it will pull you into the depths of your thoughts, it will quiz you and bring about the better parts in your best nature. It's a great read! Amy Vanderbilt has an uncanny way of saying what you were thinking, and describing situations that you have been through, almost to a T. She makes it easy for Woman to be Excepting and Men to be understanding. This is a Life Guide for anyone who believes in Good People and Doing the right thing. Or for that matter, anyone with a great thirst for reading.
Are you convinced yet? I was skeptical when My Love pulled the book from its place in the shelf. “We can use it for the kids” he says, “You can use it for you” my Mother says. I think Everyone can use it.
Some of my book marked sections in this book:
- Angry Letters, Love Letters and Apology Notes
- Adult-Child Relationships
- The Well Groomed Man and The Well Dressed Woman (it covers the whole person inside and out individually)
- Good Manners and Your Car
- Is it a child's world? It covers the fact that parents have rights and deserve to be respected, and should uphold that with their young ones
- When kids should start dating, how to handle it, and the differences between boys and girls
Seriously, get a copy! I don't know if the original such as mine exists in stores, I feel it's the best one, but I know newer versions can be bought for little money. Give it a permanent place in your bookshelf, you won't regret it!
