The Official Preppy Handbook (Paperback)

~ Jonathan Roberts (Author), Carol McD. Wallace (Author), Mason Wiley (Author), (Author), Oliver Williams (Editor), Robin Holland (Illustrator)

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing (October 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894801406
• ISBN-13: 978-0894801402
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,831 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book ... the legend ... the way of life, August 18, 2004

By	Andrew S. Rogers (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book was a spot-on parody when it came out in 1980, but also a quite accurate and even useful "field guide" to the North American prepster. Almost 25 years later, it still holds up as humor, and also as a great guide to the prep look and lifestyle. And best of all, it may even be timely once again: An article in the New York Times a few days ago suggested that teen fashion trends are turning away from overexposure and punk and back toward plaid, chinos, polo shirts (with turned up collars, natch), even repp ties! Everything comes around a second time, so Lisa Birnbach call your office. It may be time for an updated edition for today's rising BMOCs.

All I know is that my copy is well-thumbed from two-plus decades of hard work, and it's showing no signs of irrelevance yet!

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A guidebook for the relocated, June 9, 2004

By	Karen Vaughan "Herblady" (Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I first moved to new York City to work in the corporate world I came across Lisa Birnbach's Preppy Handbook. Suddenly everything made sense. I could understand why the blonde vice president in the elevator had the "executive look" and I didn't. I understood the vague references. Coming from somewhere where no one ever had tailgates, much less parties on them, it introduced me to a whole other way of life. I needed to understand preppies if I were to achieve success in the East and Lisa let me know the code. The book is a wonderful piece of cultural anthropology.

I routinely recommend this book to talented kids from other classes and other places who are trying to make it in the Northeast. Along with John Molloy's Dress for Success, this book made it possible for me to adapt to corporate life.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars like prep, a classic, August 23, 1999

By A Customer

Cardigans carelessly draped over shoulders, Pappagalo, little children who wear no jewelry, not even watches, because "Nanny knows what time it is." A wonderful tribute to the days when Abercrombie & Fitch was not the classless chainstore it is today. The clothing section alone is a primer in timeless quality. And it's always fun to practice Locust Valley lockjaw with friends.