In the spirit of On Bullshit, a wonderfully erudite and entertaining essay about manners.
When Lucinda Holdforth told her moth... read full description
When Lucinda Holdforth told her moth... read full description
reviews
Apr 06, 2009
Lee Anne
rated it: 
As always with a book of this type, the people who most need to read it wouldn't.
This essay is literate, occasionally witty, and very dry. The author doesn't teach any etiquette, or make suggestions; she uses literary and historical allusions to make her point about how manners make us a better world.
There is an incongruous blip in her theory, though, of which I may be hyper-conscious, owing to my line of work: she admits to being rude to customer service people who More...
This essay is literate, occasionally witty, and very dry. The author doesn't teach any etiquette, or make suggestions; she uses literary and historical allusions to make her point about how manners make us a better world.
There is an incongruous blip in her theory, though, of which I may be hyper-conscious, owing to my line of work: she admits to being rude to customer service people who More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 09, 2012
Bill
rated it: 
A great challenge for any essay writer in persuading her audience to see her point of view is to take specific examples and connect them to the broader ideal. I think Holdforth does an excellent job at that. The entire basis of this essay explains the consequence of a society that no longer utilizes the skills of manners. Holdforth consistently connects the long-forgotten practices which we know as manners and their reasoning to the broader ideal of why those specific practices actually help soc
More...
Feb 25, 2010
Kristen
rated it: 
A fun little book. The author makes some bold claims (Manners can save democracy!) but also realizes the boldness of her claims and does not take herself too seriously. As someone who believe manners are important, and has often been obliged to explain that manners are not snobbery or "being fake", this was an enjoyable read.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 08, 2012
The Boston Fashionista
rated it:
A fun little book. The author makes some bold claims (Manners can save democracy!) but also realizes the boldness of her claims and does not take herself too seriously. As someone who believe manners are important, and has often been obliged to explain that manners are not snobbery or "being fake", this was an enjoyable read.
Jul 07, 2009
Carol
rated it:
Why Manners Matter is not an etiquette guide; rather, it's a fascinating and delightful social history of manners and the many ways in which they change society for the better. Everyone should read this book!
Oct 17, 2009
Martin
rated it:
I could not completely buy in to the author’s thesis that manners are the root of “civilized” civilization. I did find her overview of ideas like manners and social contract interesting, along with her tie-in to modern behavior interesting. Readers should be aware of the author’s Australian perspective.
Sep 25, 2009
Megan
rated it: 
I was so scared I would do something rude while reading this and especially while carrying it with me in public places. Hypocrisy terrifies me.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 22, 2012
Paula
rated it:
A succinct and often funny look at why simple things like not swearing are so important in our lives and the world at large.
Jul 28, 2011
Faythe
rated it:
This book was both funny & interesting. I caught myself laughing out loud from time-to-time.
May 16, 2009
Cynthia
rated it:
Essay on the modern need for good manners and courtesy, written by an unexpected Australian.
Jul 01, 2009
Maureen
rated it:
Unfortunately a book that is needed in this day and age . I do not understand why?
May 24, 2009
Paulette
rated it:
Interesting little book. Lots of history, wit and thoughtful observations.
Jul 24, 2011
Jenn
rated it:
Though not necessarily an instructive book about manners - this book describes the social history of manners and the ways in which they may be helpful (with some caveats about how they may constrain) - great examples and lots of juicy information. Very well written, engaging and fun.
Jan 30, 2012
Jan 22, 2012
Jan 19, 2012
Dec 30, 2011
Jan 18, 2012
Nov 12, 2011
Sep 06, 2011
