Our Deportment: Or The Manners, Conduct And Dress Of The Most Refined Society

by John H. Young (Editor)

""Our Or The Manners, Conduct And Dress Of The Most Refined Society"" is a book written by John H. Young and published in 1879. The book is a comprehensive guide to etiquette, manners, and dress for individuals who wish to navigate high society with grace and poise. It covers a wide range of topics, including introductions, conversation, table manners, dress codes, and social etiquette. The book provides practical advice on how to behave in various social situations, from formal dinners to balls and receptions. It also includes tips on personal grooming, such as how to dress appropriately for different occasions and how to maintain good posture and deportment. Overall, ""Our Deportment"" is a fascinating glimpse into the social norms and expectations of the upper classes during the late 19th century.Including Forms For Letters, Invitations, Etc. Also, Valuable Suggestions On Home Culture And Training.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Nonfiction

428 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1880

Reviews

[Nikhil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightfully anachronistic book of etiquette and manners in a time where society was far more uptight than it is today

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved reading pieces of this book, and finally decided to read it cover to cover. It’s from 19th-century America. And I love the author because he is down to earth and not afraid to give his opinion, even if it occasionally differs from well-established custom. His Christian background sometimes makes me feel that I’m reading pages from The Strength of Youth or listening to a conference talk, especially when he discusses marriage. For example, the man sums up in 3 pages how to choose a spouse that will make you happy, and from everything I know, it’s great advice.

I would want nothing more for Kate and Danny than to be able to follow some of the direction of this book to become a confident and upright young lady and thoughtful and considerate young man. In fact, dozens of “manners for kids books” have been written, but I prefer reading to my kids from this book, which we do on occasion. Besides having lots of advice that is perfectly relevant still today, there is also plenty of completely obsolete but magnificent reading about riding horseback properly, attending balls, or having afternoon tea that makes the kids find the book delightful.

Here’s a passage that made me think: REQUIREMENTS FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: An absurd idea is held by some that intelligence and domestic virtues cannot go together [in a potential wife]; that an intellectual woman will never be content to stay at home to look after the interests of her household and children. A more unreasonable idea has never been suggested, for as the intellect is strengthened and cultured, it has a greater capacity of affection, of domesticity and of self-sacrifice for others (p 185).

Here is one more passage I copied into my blog: CHEERFULNESS AT THE TABLE: Children should not be prohibited from laughing and talking at the table. Joyousness promotes the circulation of the blood, enlivens and invigorates it, and sends it to all parts of the system, carrying with it animation, vigor and life. Controversy should not be permitted at the table.... Every topic introduced should be calculated to instruct, interest or amuse. Business matters, past disappointments and mishaps should not be alluded to, nor should bad news be spoken of at the table, nor for half an hour before. All conversation should be of joyous and gladsome character, such as will bring out pleasant remarks and agreeable associations. Reproof should never be administered at the table, either to a child or to a servant; no fault found with anything, and no unkind word should be spoken.... Thus will the family table be the center of pleasant memories in future years, when the family shall have been scattered far and near, and some, perhaps, have been laid in their final resting place (p 221).

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to see what were considered the correct manners and etiquette young Americans during the early part of the 20th century tried to follow. A lot of it you can't do now, but it's nice to finally learn the reasoning behind certain rules we all grew-up hearing. Even some we have no idea existed.

[Miles Montego]

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