The Complete Idiot's Guide to Etiquette

by Mary M. Mitchell

Mary Mitchell, a.k.a. Ms. Demeanor, offers expert advice on everything from table manners to business etiquette. Included are tips for dealing with such social occasions as weddings, funerals, and anniversaries, as well as electronic etiquette for voice mail, beepers, and e-mail.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Ebooks, Reference, How To

325 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Mary Mitchell has written nine books. Her column “Ms. Demeanor,” which originated in The Philadelphia Inquirer (where it ran twice weekly for ten years), was nationally syndicated by King Features.

The Seattle Times ran her column “Nice Matters” for several years. She currently writes a column on modern etiquette for Reuters, and she is frequently quoted in nationally circulated magazines as an etiquette authority. She is much in demand as a corporate trainer for matters relating to civility and professionalism.

Reviews

[Éowyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Modern etiquette gets one star, book gets one star. Modern etiquette isn’t even a thing, as far as I can see… Sorry, but as a young woman I don’t see much consideration from other people unless they’re older. The only people who hold a door open or compliment a modest dress are 70 years old. Etiquette clearly isn’t a priority for most people. But my conviction is that etiquette is a tradition established to protect, especially women - when someone opens the door for you, accompanies you to your car at night, walks on the sidewalk facing traffic… all these things are built up through generations (hopefully) with the aim of making women feel safe and valued. Not judged, restricted, or oppressed.

That being said, this book undermines the traditional purpose of etiquette and replaces it with a self-centred version: look good to the other sex because that’s all that matters. That’s modern etiquette for you. Real etiquette is based on love and self sacrifice, though traditions sometimes mask the original purposes. I found this book unhelpful and severely inappropriate because there was also a section on hookup etiquette. That’s not etiquette. That’s how to shmooze. So bad. So bad!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

No nonsense, modern rules of etiquette that take into account how times have changed, but still honor the traditions of the past. The way to address invitations to gay couples, not-married-but-living-together couples, divorced single women keeping their old married name, you get it. Great for brides, and great for anyone who wants to know the right way to set a table. It was a given to me when I was a debutante, and it helped greatly with all the thank-you notes, down to the correct stationery to buy. Easy to read, perfect for young people who may be daunted by a huge dictionary-like volume of Emily Post.

[Annie Kookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive book on etiquette for all occasions from cell phone use to international trips to weddings and other similar celebrations.
It saddened me to learn that 'rumbling crackers into your soup is considered rude - it will have to be one of my bad habits, because I'm not giving it up!

The book would be a good addition to a library for future reference when needed, but as it was a rental, I hope I can retain enough of the information.

[e.c.h.a · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ni buku tebel banget..walhasil gw bacanya skimming...

Gw hanya baca yang pas bagian tips-tips etiket saja. Biar langsung nangkep dah maksudnya apa :)

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, extremely helpful

[Shivam Bhardwaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, repetitive and kind of outdated.