Keeping Up Appearances: Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette for the Socially Less Fortunate [Hardcover]

Roy Clarke (Author), Jonathan Rice (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994

Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "bouquet", of course), star of BBC1's "Keeping Up Appearances", imparts her personal views on protecting one's social standing. There are sections on etiquette in the home, entertaining, social obligations, how to strike up an acquaintance with members of the aristocracy, and improving the mind. They all give an insight into Hyacinth's philosophy of life, developed through years of candle-light suppers and charity sub-committee meetings.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: BBC Pubns (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0563369752
• ISBN-13: 978-0563369752
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #297,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff, but get the paperback, March 17, 2000

By 

tropic_of_criticism - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping Up Appearances : Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette for the Socially Less Fortunate (Paperback)

Following in a somewhat British tradition of having book tie-ins which are not *about* the show so much as a *continuation* of the show, _Book of Etiquette_ is written as though the character of Hyacinth Bucket were sharing a diary with her audience. This makes for some howlingly funny reading, but may disappoint those looking for behind-the-scenes information about the show.

Also, as is the case with the _Yes, Minister_ and Dame Edna tie-in books, a lot of the material has already surfaced in the series. Now, since this material is incredibly funny, it's a joy to have it in the written word. Still, some might feel cheated that the book is more old material than new.

It's also important to point out, I think, that the work is fairly graphic-intensive. There are *lots* of pictures and decorative borders here. These elements obviously cut into the space available for text.

On balance, then, I would very much recommend that you get the paperback version, even if it's a gift purchase. While very funny, the book doesn't warrant the hardbound price.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Gem!, November 8, 2001

By 

Tiggah "the Anglophile" (Calgary, Alberta Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping Up Appearances: Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette for the Socially Less Fortunate (Hardcover)

The Brits have a wonderful knack for taking the scripts (or bits thereof), incorporating them into a book ostensibly written by the character herself, and coming up with something fresh and every bit as hilarious as the series itself. Such is certainly the case with Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette.

With this book, Hyacinth responds to questions of etiquette from the "socially less fortunate." Her responses and anecdotes (which often contain snippets of dialogue taken from the scripts) are well-seasoned with her own opinions and thoughts; the result is just hilarious. Hyacinth has even included an index for the reader, which contains gems such as "index finger, correct use of" and "husbands, uses of."

For the person who just can't get enough of that Bucket woman, this lovely 191-page book, which contains an abundance of black & white photos (scenes from the series) is a must-have. A book to be read and re-read, it is every bit as enjoyable as the series upon which it is based. Highly recommended!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for those of us who are aristocracy, and others., January 15, 2000

By 

Satomi Berry (Selma, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping Up Appearances: Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette for the Socially Less Fortunate (Hardcover)

Allow me to inform you that this book is an essential part to any upper class library. It is with great pleasure to read about Hyacinth's life's triumphant moments and her "hoi polloi" moments too. Just the other day, I was informing our Vicar, Father Andy, at one of our numerous candle light suppers, "... This 'Book of Etiquette' is the reason for the wonderful success of our candle light suppers." This book also makes a great gift to those who may be lacking in some of the elements of the aristocracy. Oh, I must pop off now, my pearl-white slim-line telephone in ringing right now and that must be someone very important. Ta ta.