Synopses & Reviews
In this "wryly perceptive, historically informed" () 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" (), 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.
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A keen eye and merry wit. (Charleston Post and Courier)
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"Wryly perceptive [and] historically informed." Elle
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"Peerless....analyzes every aspect of American life and the rituals that both define and undermine our culture." BookPage
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"A well-argued essay that describes a specifically American etiquette." Booklist
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"A fascinating genealogy and spirited defense of our rough-and-ready American manners." Smithsonian
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"[Martin] has made etiquette writing an exercise in wit." Boston Globe
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"A quick and entertaining romp through American history and mores. Highly recommended." Book Magazine
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Incisive...Amusing.
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"A well-reasoned and insightful treatise on the American character, and the American character's manners." Wall Street Journal
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"A fascinating account of how we have arrived at the standards of etiquette we follow--or disregard--today. Those who pay attention will be rewarded with keen insights." San Diego Union Tribune
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"Filled with good and fun education. It's a romp with a reasonable justification to why we do what we do." Christian Science Monitor
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[Martin] has a keen eye and merry wit.
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"Incisive...Amusing." The Daily Observer
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"[Martin] has a keen eye and merry wit." Maggie Ramirez Rainbow Electronic Review
Synopsis
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. "
Synopsis
"Wonderfully wicked....A bracingly sensible guide to living peaceably together."--Francine Prose,
About the Author
Judith Martin, born a perfect lady in an imperfect society, is the author of the "Miss Manners" columns and best-selling books, two novels, and a travel book on Venice. She and her husband live in Washington, DC.