The Lady's Guide To Perfect Gentility In Manners, Dress And Conversation

by Emily Thornwell

""The Lady's Guide to Perfect Gentility in Manners, Dress and Conversation"" is a guidebook written by Emily Thornwell and published in 1857. The book is a comprehensive guide to etiquette and manners for women of the Victorian era. It covers everything from how to dress appropriately for various occasions to how to conduct oneself in social situations. The book includes advice on how to behave at dinner parties, how to make introductions, and how to write letters. It also includes tips on how to dance, how to behave at the theater, and how to handle difficult situations with grace and poise. The book is a fascinating glimpse into the social norms and expectations of the Victorian era, and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of manners and etiquette.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

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at the Huntington Gardens and began reading it in the Herb Garden, a very genteel place for a lady to read. This 1857 manual of a lady's manners is fantastic. Firstly, I was pleased that I follow some of these manners in today's society. Secondly, the sample letters in the "letter writing" chapter are WONDERFUL, being both funny & heart warming. Thirdly... well, in fact in the "conversation" chapter, Ms. Thornwell insists that a lady should not speak too long, so adhering to my elder's advice, this young lady bids farewell & is off to conquer society and another book.

[Forked Radish · Rating 2 out of 5]

“How to address young gentlemen.—Do not be tempted to indulge in another proof of feminine indecorum, which may be countenanced, but can never be sanctioned by example; that of addressing young gentlemen of your acquaintance, who are unconnected with you, by their christian names.”
Horsefeathers! Women of the era wore bustles, thus giving them the look of being in perpetual twerk mode!—I’m a genteel lady. How can I make my butt stick out into next week? Even blue-assed baboons and Lizzos use their own butts.

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical Gold. Amusing, but a little goes a long way.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Beauty is in reality but another name for that expression of countenance, which is the index of sound health, intelligence, good feelings, and peace of mind.

Emily Thornwell put together a very useful guide for proper Victorian ladies, advising on beauty and personal hygiene, behaviour and etiquette, dressing and dressmaking...

The author presents a very reasonable and down-to-earth approach on the subject, stressing the importance of natural beauty, good hygiene and modesty when approaching others (advices still perfectly actual). She also believed the proper lady should be capable, instructing on sewing, dressmaking, knitting and letter writing.

The book is divided into chapters and themes within, making the reading process easy and enjoyable.

Anyone who wants to incorporate a touch of Victorian gentility to their everyday life should read this book (it is widely available for download, so there is no need to purchase it).

[khrome · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives an interesting look into "proper" social interactions and etiquette of the 19th century. I found myself amused by the witty and calculated examples of letter writing, on subjects such as trying to find out if your suitor is no longer interested in you, or fending off unwanted or inappropriate affections. At the same time, I find it sad that manners and etiquette are practically a lost art.

According to the foreward by James Thorpe, this book contains only 2 chapters of the original manuscript. It served as a good introduction, and I would definitely like to read the rest.

I would give the this book four stars for content, but lowered it to three for the binding which was just a cardstock cover with staples.

[Vicki Boardman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly charming and surprisingly readable historical etiquette and comportment guide, with fascinating recipes for beauty remedies, care and cleaning of clothing, and occasional passages that brought me to tears of laughter with their matter-of-fact tone of preemptive admonishment. This attitude helps explain a lot of the neuroses and agony of some of my favorite turn-of-the-century ladies from Edith Wharton et al.