[.ca] The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette: 50th ... (ISBN 0385413424)

A disappointment, but still an authority:
My mother has a copy of the original edition, so I grew up treating Vanderbilt's work as a constant reference for social graces. Naturally, I was overjoyed to learn that a new edition had made an appearance. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. With no disrespect intended to Tuckerman et al for their fine work, this once-great guide is a shadow of its former self. It is no less accurate than it once was, but is unfortunately much more base. Do people really need to be told not to leave dirty dishes lying about, for example? As a guide to minimal civilized behaviour--how not to behave like a spoiled child--it carries the tradition of excellence. However, for the finer points of etiquette, I strongly recommend tracking down a copy of the 1978 (Baldrige ed.) edition of this great reference.

The Secrets of Elegance Revealed:
This book is amazing! It is a comprehensive guide to helping you conduct yourself elegantly in social situations at any level. Packed with over 700 pages of useful information, you are sure to find expert advice on the topic you are looking for, whether you want to know how you should hold your fork at dinner or how to address and introduce dignitaries. Without a doubt, "The Complete Book of Etiquette" is one of the best reference books I have in my collection and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be, well, simply exquisite.

Fight preventor:
When in doubt, this is the book that comes out first. My husband and I pulled it out several times during our engagement to find out "how" we should do things. From setting the table to working with kitchen staff help this book has it all. (Now if I could just afford the staff!)

Etiquette or Ignorance:
I heard Ms. Dunnan's book advertised on the radio and considered purchasing it until I heard her interview, including etiquette excerpts from the book. Ms. Dunnan criticized the use of cell phones, stating that only people such as medical personnel, who may have "emergencies" should have cell phones. Many jobs today require people to be accessible 24 hours a day. While "emergencies" in other occupations may not be a matter of life and death, the stakes can still be very high. Ms. Dunnan also feels it is rude for people with long legs to rest them on seats in front of them. Should people with long legs not go to a movie theater if they can't fit comfortably in one seat? Is it also rude for tall people to sit in front of anyone at theaters, concerts or parades? Ms. Dunnan should limit her etiquette suggestions to topics of which she has a complete understanding. Her blanket statements and judgements are the foundation on which prejudice, racism and general intolerance of others are founded.

A monument!:
Let me just say that before this book I was an absolute disaster. Poor posture, the wrong lipstick, you name it. But then I wised up and picked up a copy of this book and it did wonders for my rather uncouth appearance.