90 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE ONE AND ONLY MANNERS BOOK TO BUY!, February 10, 2002
This review is from: Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers (Hardcover)
There may be two reasons I might be a bit biased in my review of this book. The first is obvious, my grandfather wrote it. The second is, he wrote it about me. According to him, he wrote this book as an adverse reaction to my manners at the table. He described on a number of occasions to the press, to my utter horror I might add, a time when he was invited to my mother's house for lunch and witnessed first hand the atrocious table manners of his daughters first born son, who at the time, was 5 years old. I don't actually remember this event happening, being five at the time, but I have had to live with this story most of my life.
To say this traumatized me would probably not be fair, but it did affect my life in minor ways. Certainly it never helped having people observe my every movement at the table at every dinner party I have ever attended. They just sat there staring and waiting. Waiting for me to make some horribly disgusting and socially frowned upon move. Perhaps burp during the height of some interesting tale by a senator or governor, or worse, my grandfather..... or maybe even slurp down the dregs of my finger bowl, which was something I became particularly fond of doing!
I am in recovery today and thanks to BTMA (bad table manners anonymous) and constant reading of my Grandfathers book, I can honestly say that I have better manners today. It is a one day at a time thing, like so many other programs of recovery, and I have to remember that at any time, I could slip and dive for that fork or spoon dropped under the table, or go back to my beloved finger bowl, but I try to live a civilized life today, I try.
I think my grandfather would be proud!
All kidding aside, this book is honest, short and to the point. It can be read with ease in a matter of an hour. It's humorous and direct and does not ask the reader to read a small dictionary to learn the basic elements of what good manners are. Rather, it is simple and straightforward. Now we all know there are hundreds of these books on the market and some do well and others do not. This book published in 1961 has endured, stood the test of time, while others have come and gone.
Why, because it is so accessible. I have often pondered a follow up to this book, which I tentatively call Tiffany's Table Manners for Adults, and who knows maybe I'll write it someday. (One needs the blessing of the great institution and my pull is not what it used to be over there!) But I believe the world, and notably this country has lost, some of the simple things once taught by parents, that being plain ol good manners. Perhaps they are not learning them anymore. Maybe parents have little time in the rush of their daily lives to ensure these basic lessons are incorporated into their little one's lives. I don't know for sure but it shows in the attitude and behaviors of the young people I run into today. Perhaps there will be those that debate this but I think there will be those that will agree too. The book however is worth the money one might spend on it, there are no others that take the simple direct route to instilling what has all been lost in today's world, basic good manners, not only at the table but in every day life. JOHN HOVING
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Reference, March 20, 2001
This review is from: Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers (Hardcover)
A wonderful book for anyone needing to know basic table manners. This book covers everything from which silverware to use, to what to do and not to, to how to signal completion of a meal, to the appropriate manner to converse at a formal dinner setting.
Well illustrated, instructions given in a non-condescending manner. With the current level of knowledge about table manners, I'd say this book is suitable for anyone, not just teenagers.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sophisticated manners for the uninformed!, November 3, 2000
This review is from: Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers (Hardcover)
As the author of "You've Only Got Three Seconds to Make the Right Impression," I have recommended this book to over 5,000 business executives. It is a priceless reference book designed for every age.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
