Emily Post's Etiquette [Paperback]

Emily Post (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2009

The original classic; the best selling guide to proper manners and etiquette.
People who ridicule etiquette as a mass of trivial and arbitrary conventions, "extremely troublesome to those who practice them and insupportable to everybody else," seem to forget the long, slow progress of social intercourse in the upward climb of man from the primeval state. Conventions were established from the first to regulate the rights of the individual and the tribe. They were and are the rules of the game of life and must be followed if we would "play the game."
NOTE: Includes reproductions of the illustrations from the original edition and the text from the second edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In 1922, Emily Post came out with the definitive book on etiquette. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, her great-granddaughter-in-law Peggy Post has updated and revised the opus into an 845-page 16th edition that takes modern conundrums and lifestyles into account. If you're wondering when to put a napkin in your lap and which foods may be eaten with fingers, the information's still there. But situations Emily never dreamed of--matters of e-mail, cellular phones, step parents, fourth weddings, and in-line skating--are considered with the same grace that made Emily the last word on civility in the 1920s. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Peggy Post, Emily Post's great-granddaughter-in-law and the current, high-profile spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, is celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of this modern classic by presenting a thoroughly updated and rigorously detailed new edition. The world was already in flux in 1922, when Emily Post, an unusually independent woman for her times, wrote and published the first incarnation of Etiquette (an instant best-seller), and change, both societal and technological, has remained the defining force of our century. But the importance of being considerate and thoughtful, kind and unselfish, has never been diminished. Indeed, as our population and proximity to one another increases, etiquette becomes even more crucial to daily life. Peggy Post explains, "While the philosophy of etiquette must be everlasting, the practice of manners is ever-changing." Post begins with basic communication skills, then segues to "netiquette," that is, the correct use of call waiting, cellular phones, answering machines, and e-mail. Much-needed guidelines for interaction in the business world, from job interviews to entertaining and travel, are covered with the trademark Post specificity. On to more personal matters, Post offers guidelines for divorce-related protocol, expressing condolences, celebrating holidays, and practicing good sports etiquette. Reflecting our enhanced awareness of cultural diversity, Post also provides useful information about various religious customs. For "civility," see Post. Donna Seaman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (February 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1438284314
• ISBN-13: 978-1438284316
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

133 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't think you'll need this? Think again., June 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Emily Post's Etiquette (16th Edition) (Hardcover)

I have owned a current edition of Emily Post's Etiquette since I was in high school. In fact, I bought the 16th edition so quickly after it came out that I became the owner of a signed first edition and didn't realize it for almost a year. What a comfort to see new subjects addressed! It was high time for this revision. My mother was the first person to impress the importance of manners upon me. At first I thought what most people think - that the situations described in this book don't happen to most people. Once I had attended my first formal dinner, I sure was glad I knew what to do with all those glasses and pieces of silverware...after all, this was something my lower middle-class upbringing had not prepared me for. This is also a great reference for everyday occurrences, such as writing a thank-you note (there IS an art to this) and communicating with your boss. Every home should have one, so at least if an unfamiliar situation does crop up the tools to prepare for it are at your fingertips. If you think no one notices the nuances of behavior, you're wrong.

86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A manual for manners in this modern day and age..., February 24, 2001

By 

Laura Haggarty (Northern KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Emily Post's Etiquette (16th Edition) (Hardcover)

I find this book to be a valuable tool to help navigate the often-complex world in which we live. It provides guidance in a whole host of areas, from gracious dining to the business world, from protocol for visiting the Pope to dealing with employees in your home. It covers a broad spectrum of situations, and helps to ensure that the right decisions are made, and that behavior is polite and proper.

The book is broken down into the following sections: Formalities; Your Personal Life; Your Professional Life; Communications; Travel & Tipping; Entertaining and Entertainments; Celebrations and Ceremonies; Gifts, Giving, & Thank-Yous; and Weddings. Each section offers tips and suggestions for making relations between you and others go as smoothly as possible. In this fast-paced world, we need manners more than ever, if only to ensure that life remains civilized, and this book helps determine the best way to proceed if you're unsure. All in all a wonderful reference for anyone who ever has to deal with another human being either socially or professionally. Don't hesitate, buy it!

149 of 157 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Watered down version of the real thing, October 3, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Emily Post's Etiquette (16th Edition) (Hardcover)

While the 16th edition of Emily Post's etiquette continues to be the foremost authority on etiquette, Peggy Post has let things slide from its original heritage. I was disappointed enough to seek out an older edition ((c)1940) which I found used on the internet for less than the new edition. What's the difference you might ask? Being able to compare the two I can tell you that the most detailed and well explained traditions are cut and pasted from the original edition. The new parts on email, etc. are of little value. For example, don't write emails in CAPS, and don't use other peoples' computers without permission. Peggy Post has also interjected editorials on political correctness here and there which, regardless of one's political views, are out of place here. In discussing a courtesy as simple as a man holding a door for a lady, Peggy Post talks about how terrible it is that men think that women are too weak to hold open their own doors. But have no fear, she concludes after her diatribe, that a man should still hold a door for a lady. That said, for the most part, this is still the best you are going to find in current publication and it continues to be comprehensive and accurate.