Customer Reviews

Letitia Baldrige's New Manners for New Times: A Complete Guide to Etiquette

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I originally requested this book for Christmas because of both Ms. Baldrige's conservative reputation and the fact that it was said to address the roles of gays and lesbians in the family. I was not disappointed. It is a fabulous general etiquette book that my mother could respect and would read. And it includes my lifestyle too!

With so much controversy going about these days regarding the definition of family, Ms. Baldrige provides us with guidelines that allow all of us to congregate in peace and without shame. Her anecdotes effectively illustrate her points and are quite funny at times. She also obviously knows how to have a good time-- and in a way that is level-headed and won't alienate those at the more conservative end of the spectrum.

Ms. Baldrige is one of those sort of people you really have to work hard to dislike. And her years of experience lead to a wise commentary that is hardly dated. In her own way, she gives all family members permission to love one another without a bunch of anxiety over who is doing what that isn't anyone's business anyway. And she provides all the tools you need, in the form of advice, to throw a great party. When's the next family reunion? I actually want to go now! :-)

Author Letitia Baldrige worked as Social Secretary to an ambassador in Paris, Special Assistant to an ambassador in Rome, and the Social Secretary to the White House and chief of staff for Jaqueline Kennedy - and this book reads like it.

If you live on Manhattan's swanky Upper Eastside, throw lavish dinner parties for visiting dignitaries, and vie for a place on a high profile hospital or not-for-profit board this is the book for you. If, on the other hand, you feel a little clueless about the basic rules of etiquette and would like to use the right fork at a fancy dinner party, you might want to try a book like "Etiquette for Dummies." Baldrige comes across as a very warm and friendly person. She writes eloquently and engagingly about the very heart of etiquette - respecting other people's feelings and acting accordingly. But most readers really don't need a book of this length that outlines the proper behavior for dinner with the president (no exaggeration). Comprehensive - yes. Entirely practical to most mere mortals - no.

If you're looking for just one etiquette reference, this is the one. It touches on everything without being intimidatingly exhaustive. Baldridge offers additional helpful thoughts on situations one is likely to encounter in today's life--multicultural celebrations, funerals in other traditions, wedding invitations to same-sex couples--without being sappy or condescending. Having perused several similar books, I also found that this one has the best treatment of business and professional etiquette. Easy to read, entertaining, helpful, and never loses sight of the main point. Was an excellent gift for my soon-to-graduate-college sister--those pesky etiquette dilemmas start popping up quickly.

This book is terrific. It has everything in it. Before I do anything (go to a wedding, a funeral, write a thank you note or condolence note, throw a party), I look it up in this book. It really is wonderful. I never feel as though I don't know what to do. She gives advice for how to dress, how to act, what to say when you are at a loss for words, and anything else you need.

I'm not an upper-crust socialite, and this book is my guide to life. I love it and would whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone.

Personally, I find most of the information from this book to be common sense. Like for example not picking your teeth at the table in the restaurant, or not criticizing your daughter-in-law, or not putting down your siblings in front of others.

But then again, what's common sense for some, could be new to others. We are all different.

First part of the book is dedicated to family and family relationships, followed by children's manners in the second part, then it talks about outside world, making friends, workplace etiquette, then talks about travel and tipping. Then there are chapters on dress code, common courtesies, dating, engagement, weddings, pregnancies, births, funerals and other events. The book pretty much touches upon any subject you can think of. It's not a bad book at all, it's just that I didn't find anything new there.

Very reliable, product arrived in a timely manner and book was as advertised. Pleased and would order from them again.

I must commend Letitia Baldrige on her updated manners and etiquette book. She really hits the nail on the head with new AND tried and true manners, etiquette and class. One mission she is dedicated to is always making the people around you feel comfortable and she absolutely gives sound, solid advice on how to do this in a myriad of circumstances. As I mentioned, she covers such things as the proper way to set a table, yet she also covers email etiquette. Having served at many US Embassies and as Press Secretary for Jacqueline Kennedy, she has been around quite a bit and been around people of true class and elegance. She combines her marvelous experience with the proper way of doing things to provide us with a useful guide to use in our own everyday lives so we too can make people comfortable around us and also so we can avoid some common etiquette pitfalls. This is not meant to be read cover-to-cover but more as needed to cover specific situations. However, I did end up reading the whole book just because the writing style makes it easy to read and draws you in... it makes you WANT to know the proper way to act and do things. There is a ton of valuable advice and information in this book. Her advice will not make you appear "stuffy" or "snobbish"... quite the opposite... it will make you appear as a person of true class who others will want to be around. I'm sure you will not be disappointed with Ms. Baldrige's book and I am also sure you will learn something new. Plus it never hurts to cement the tried and true practices of the past, many of which still apply today. Lastly, I can also say that it's just a great book to read and have as a handy reference. Ms. Baldrige also has a nice sense of humor, which comes across in her book. Enjoy everyone!

I received this book quickly and it was in great shape!I haven't finished reading it yet, but it is very informative so far.

Ms. Baldrige is a great writer, full of wit and wisdom. This book does not disappoint. Still very current on manners in the 21st century.

I found this to be a wonderful book and have recommended it to others. I expecially think it should be in the reference library for all young career minded individuals. Etiquette is certainly a missing skill for many young professionals these days and this book would be an asset to an individual in any career endeavor. As a matter of fact, I recommended this book in the blogs for my book, Successful Career Management.