Who knows what lurks in the hearts of the women of Dixie? A Southern Belle Primer tells us all. In this rollicking guide to survival in a society that has not gone with the wind, the mystique of the Southern belle is exposed. Maryln Schwartz’s cult classic and perennial bestseller returns with a new look to steer the next generation of belles through the enduring world of Southern propriety and protocol.
Being a belle is not a part-time job—it’s a cradle-to-grave commitment—and A Southern Belle Primer covers it all. With anecdotes, observations, lists, and delightful illustrations, the Primer delves into family trees, big hair, the Twelve Patterns of the Silver Zodiac (everyone knows girls who choose certain silver patterns are fast), the fashion calendar (the do-or-die seasonal etiquette of patent leather, gloves, and stockings), honorary belles, wannabe belles, fallen belles, and even why Paris Hilton will never be a Kappa Kappa Gamma.
The Primer also reveals shocking real-life stories from contemporary Southern belle history: the truth behind the Garden Club wars in Natchez, Mississippi, the Chattanooga woman shunned by society for a faux pas in her chicken salad recipe, and the disastrous white-shoe-in-September affair during the Texas visit of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
What The Official Preppy Handbook did for the madras-and-penny-loafer set A Southern Belle Primer does for the indestructible ladies from below the Mason–Dixon Line, in an uproarious guide to navigating a society that continues to fascinate people the world over.
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About the Author
Maryln Schwartz was a feature writer and columnist for the Dallas Morning News. Her work has appeared in more than two hundred newspapers, and she has won numerous awards for her articles. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Ms. Schwartz lives in Dallas
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Kay Sites
Format:Paperback
This is the 5th one I've purchased for my daughters and neices. My mother being a belle herself from New Orleans, I was raised on these principles. What a delightful way to pass down this knowledge to my girls. Its a fast and hysterical read, we laughed so hard on our trip to Atlanta we had to pull over. I recommend this for any lady who lives below the Mason Dixon line.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By K. Miller
Format:Paperback
I loved this book when it came out in 1990 (right?). I see it has been somewhat updated. It contains very helpful, true information. I just wish it wasn't all disguised as humor. Many of my friends didn't like this book because they thought it was making fun of us.
30 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By K. Burns
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I THOUGHT I WAS PURCHASING A NEW RELEASE BOOK. IT IS THE SAME BOOK PUBLISHED AS A SOUTHERN BELLE PRIMER OR WHY PRINCESS MARGARET WILL NEVER BE A KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA. THERE ARE A FEW PARAGRAPHS THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO REFLECT PARIS HILTON RATHER THAN PRINCESS MARGARET. THE ORIGINAL BOOK WAS A "5", BUT I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I SPENT MONEY FOR THE SAME BOOK.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Southern Belle Primer
Not really what I expected. It is a copy of Southern Belle Primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Published 4 months ago by Mary Warford
5.0 out of 5 stars
I wasn't a Kappa Kappa Gamma, but...
After my father died in April of 2002, my mother and I drove to the Alabama coast to take a break from eighteen months of stress and sorrow. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Margarita
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Southern Belle Primer or why Paris Hilton will never be a Kappa...
I love this book. It is an updated version of "A Southern Belle Primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma" by the same author, Maryln Schwartz. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Judith M. Maxwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Gift
I have given this book as a gift many times. It is so cute and a fun quick read. I particularly like the writeup on silver patterns!
Published on March 4, 2011 by SS
4.0 out of 5 stars
Funny, true-ish guide to Southern women
Not only I, but my daughters and husband have loved and reread this book over the years till it wore out. Read more
Published on May 25, 2009 by Fíal
2.0 out of 5 stars
lower expectations
I found a reference to this book in the Sweet Potatoe Queens book (hilarious!). I thought this Primer would likewise be funny. Not so. Read more
Published on December 28, 2007 by Merrie C. Schmidt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Overview of Southern Ways
This is the same basic book as, "Why Princess Margaret will never be a Kappa..."
It offers good insight into Southern women/culture in a lighthearted way. Read more
It offers good insight into Southern women/culture in a lighthearted way. Read more
Published on July 31, 2007 by L. Lynn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cute and funny
I agree with the above reviewer in that this book is just like the first book. It only changes a couple of things, like adding a few comments about Paris Hilton. Read more
Published on May 3, 2007 by VaBelle
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