Good behaviour, Being a Study of Certain Types of Civility

by Harold Nicolson

Good Behavior is one of a series of twelve interconnecting essays in which Harold Nicolson examines “the varying types of civility produced during the last two thousand years.” He hoped to write an amusing, cultural account of behavioral shifts over the preceding centuries, looking at the patterns of conduct of a sequence of notable, noble (and some less noble) minorities and individuals. In so doing he elevated the concept of good behavior into a heroic subject. While applauding the values of decency with which he had grown up, Harold was fascinated and sometimes appalled by the ever evolving social tastes and habits of those who helped define their age.

From the Introduction by Juliet Nicholson

Genres: Sociology, Philosophy

293 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Sir Harold George Nicolson KCVO CMG was an English diplomat, author, diarist and politician. He was the husband of writer Vita Sackville-West, their unusual relationship being described in their son's book, Portrait of a Marriage.

Reviews

[Vlad Golovach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendidly written essay on a manners and civility, now and then pierced by flashes of wit and irony.