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Miss Manners Rescues Civilization
In an era of American history that has shown a heightened sensitivity toward the ideals of democracy, self-expression, freedom, and individual rights, we are paradoxically experiencing a breakdown in our nation's ability to function as a civil people.
From athletes who shout obscenities on national television to surgeons who blast their favorite music while operating, from gang members who kill those who've "dissed" them to mourners who treat funerals casually, we trample over the rights of others in a savage pursuit of individual agendas. We have cashed in etiquette (yes, the "E word") for a generous helping of self-importance, and the exchange is crippling our ability to function as a civil society.
In her ground-breaking new book, MISS MANNERS RESCUES CIVILIZATION: From Sexual Harassment, Frivolous Lawsuits, Dissing and Other Lapses in Civility , Judith Martin puts etiquette on the public agenda in response to our nation's cry for a return to civility.
A thought-provoking book that calls on etiquette to champion the quest for civil decency, MISS MANNERS RESCUES CIVILIZATION discusses the futility of using the law to correct our ever-increasing list of societal offenses cluttering the courts and declaring new laws has proved to be both costly and ineffective. However, a rebirth of good manners places the privileges and challenges of a civil society back where it belongs in the hands of the individual. This witty, thoughtful, and timely book responds to the public cry for a return to civility and puts etiquette on an equal plane with morality as society's most powerful guiding force.
From athletes who shout obscenities on national television to surgeons who blast their favorite music while operating, from gang members who kill those who've "dissed" them to mourners who treat funerals casually, we trample over the rights of others in a savage pursuit of individual agendas. We have cashed in etiquette (yes, the "E word") for a generous helping of self-importance, and the exchange is crippling our ability to function as a civil society.
In her ground-breaking new book, MISS MANNERS RESCUES CIVILIZATION: From Sexual Harassment, Frivolous Lawsuits, Dissing and Other Lapses in Civility , Judith Martin puts etiquette on the public agenda in response to our nation's cry for a return to civility.
A thought-provoking book that calls on etiquette to champion the quest for civil decency, MISS MANNERS RESCUES CIVILIZATION discusses the futility of using the law to correct our ever-increasing list of societal offenses cluttering the courts and declaring new laws has proved to be both costly and ineffective. However, a rebirth of good manners places the privileges and challenges of a civil society back where it belongs in the hands of the individual. This witty, thoughtful, and timely book responds to the public cry for a return to civility and puts etiquette on an equal plane with morality as society's most powerful guiding force.
- GenresNonfictionHumorSelf Help
497 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 1996
4 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Judith Martin
113 books103 followersJudith Martin (née Perlman), better known by the pen name Miss Manners, is an American journalist, author, and etiquette authority.
Since 1978 she has written an advice column, which is distributed three times a week by United Features Syndicate and carried in more than 200 newspapers worldwide. In the column, she answers etiquette questions contributed by her readers and writes short essays on problems of manners, or clarifies the essential qualities of politeness.
Since 1978 she has written an advice column, which is distributed three times a week by United Features Syndicate and carried in more than 200 newspapers worldwide. In the column, she answers etiquette questions contributed by her readers and writes short essays on problems of manners, or clarifies the essential qualities of politeness.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 9, 2009
I just read the letters from Gentle Readers. I don't much like the essays that Miss Manners writes, but I sure do enjoy her responses to the letters sent in to her. Unfortunately, this book seems to contain more essays than letters and responses. Too bad.
I like the way that Miss Manners manages to totally skewer (in an absolutely polite way) impolite people. She has a really rare talent.
I like the way that Miss Manners manages to totally skewer (in an absolutely polite way) impolite people. She has a really rare talent.
June 22, 2022
Although this was a good read in 1998, it should be required reading for EVERYONE in 2022. If you miss polite society, if you miss actual news instead of the nonsense we get now, if you want to raise respectful children, if you work with idiots, good ol' boys, racists, and punks, or if you are forced out into society now that COVID is past its peak--you need this book.
November 5, 2010
OMG, I love Miss Manners! Anyone who thinks that etiquette is boring and stuffy is disproved by this charming, hillarious lady. Frankly, I think her work should be required reading for folks in the workplace especially.
February 24, 2012
A very important book, quite frankly, and one that really spoke to me. It offers a clear philosophy of life designed to make the world a more bearable place by making everyone in it a better person through respect, self-control and compassion. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2008
Waah! It's over! I want more!
December 25, 2012
Thank you very much, Miss Manners, for your contributions to civilization. We appreciate your efforts.
July 22, 2012
A big help for those akward situations. A good way of living.
July 14, 2014
I have a deep and abiding love for etiquette books, and Miss Manners is among the finest writers ever in the genre. She's just such a dry wit.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews