Etiquette Books

This little tome took me back to my childhood memories of my parents, my mother in particular, telling me the do's and don'ts. Of course, his book reaches back significantly further than the forties, but many of the do's and don't's persisted into the forties and fifties.

It was a fun read. The bonus was that it was recently republished. The book was, however, very small.

This book is basically a reprint of two earlier volumes- "Eric Sloane's Do" and "Eric Sloane's Don't", which were originally published in 1972 and 1968, respectively. In the introduction to "Do", Sloane says that he found these tidbits in old almancs from the 1700 and 1800s. The "Do" section consists mostly of household hints, recipes, and tips to use for constructing things from that time period. Some readers may actually find a few of the tips useful, others may be useful for historical society people who are trying to recreate things, and still others may seem just a little strange. For example, I really can't see the modern reader agreeing that an "air bath" (walking around without clothes for a half an hour) will make one clean. There also is the problem of trying to recreate recipes from the colonial era. They're notorious for not giving much detail as it was assumed people had greater culinary knowledge back then. For example, I don't know when a potato is "three fourths boiled," but I'm sure most colonial housewives did. Mostly, I found the "Do" section interesting for the historical value.

Although I liked both sections, I preferred the "Don't" section. It starts off with Sloane's introduction from 1968 where he seems to be criticizing the "mod" style of dressing from the late 60's- I thought that was hilarious! A lot of the "don't's" are generally about manners, and many seem to be directed at people who can afford servants and attend formal dinner parties, but there is also advice that was directed at humbler folk. And, as the author points out, some of the advice still is relevant today as basic manners never go out of style.

One of the best things about the "Don't" section is Sloane's humorous sketches that illustrate some of the advice. It's too bad there weren't more of them though. Also, there was the chapter "In Speech and Writing", in my opinion the best part of the book. Much of it focused on "Americanisms" and why certain things we say are incorrect. Many of these "Americanisms" are things that have made their way into our language now and we don't think twice about them. In fact, I've probably already used several of them in writing this review (such as "a lot")! Other ones sounded obsolete but brought back memories- such as using the word "through" for finished- I remember elderly people using that one when I was a child, but I haven't heard it in a long time.

Overall, it is a fun book with tidbits that you probably won't find elsewhere, with some great illustrations to boot.

This is a sweet gem of a mini-coffee-table (old tea table?) book by the master of American folkways historianship and illustration (young Sloane crossed the country from New England to Taos and parts West in a Model T Ford in the 1920's, as an itinerant sign painter!).

The Do's are mostly old-time practical household how-tos; the Don'ts, amazing retro social customs and taboos, many of which will raise a smile -- or elicit a squirm -- from the modern reader.

DO acquire all of Sloane's more heavily illustrated books if you're the least interested in the America our grandparents only heard about from theirs; the series constitutes an ongoing revelation.

This title has only a couple dozen smaller illustrations in the superb roughhewn Sloane manner. But what an eye this natural-born illustrator has -- again, check out the other dozen-odd, truly coffee table caliber books for wonderful line illustrations of quintessential Early American tools, trades, rural ways, and general history...

This book will put a smile on your face, always. The illustrations are great and me and my friends love it.

This book and its adorable illustrations never fail to put me in a good mood. Every time I look at the drawings I see some new delightful detail that lifts my spirits. Plus it's a great gift for friends, kids, moms, dads - anyone who's ever heard of Yoga. You don't have to be a Yoga practitioner to enjoy it. And the best thing is, it appeals to all ages- no more wracking your brain to find the perfect gift!

Joan's book gives your fifth chakra a real workout with her wild and witty romp through the animal's kingdom's yoga practice. Charming illustrations and clever text make "Downward-Facing Frog" a sublime gift for serious yoga practioners and neophytes alike. Share it in book group along with a pose or two.

I used this little book with my four grandkids ages 11, 10, 9 and 8. They enjoyed it and even used some of the practices in front of me! It is written in kid style, but pulls no punches. Just what this grandmother was looking for.

This book was perfect for my 9-year-old, who really enjoyed the funny sections but also learned a lot from the informative text. It covers everything - from cell phones to dinner table manners to even "fartiquette" - and has full-color art as well so it was fun shared reading. An excellent resource for easing kids' fears about social situations and for promoting mannered behavior in today's kids.

I have two boys, ages 10 & 12, and they got a real kick out of this book. I did too! It is a good overview of manners of all kinds, but in a humorous setting. I would recommend it to anyone with kids who need a "brush up" on manners. Very well written.

I can't say enough good things about this cookbook. It's beautifully designed, the photography is outstanding, the writing witty and informative. And yet it remains a very approachable book, and the recipes that I've tried are all outstanding. I've written a longer review and included several recipes from the book at: http://straightfromthefarm.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/eat-feed-autumn-winter/

Anne Bramley's book is beautiful. The photographs are stunning and the recipes are easy to read and follow. I loved the stories and history that came along with the recipes. I would highly recommend this to any cook book lover.

This is an excellent cookbook. I've tried most of the recipes and they're not only delicious but easy and elegant. It's also the kind of book you can curl up with at night and just read for its quirky histories and party suggestions. I've been a big fan of Bramley's Eat Feed podcast series for years and am very happy to see her in print. This book makes me want to have a slumber party with her and cook all night long.

Very amusing and entertaining. If you have ever known a true English Gentleman from the 30's or 40's it is spot on. A great gift book.

I don't have a lot of time for casual reading, but this small work is one of the funniest and most entertaining book I have ever had the pleasure to read.

If you do a lot of heavy reading and only have time for an occasional leisure read, make sure this book is on your list.

Do you wander around aimlessly in your tweed jacket with the leather patches on the elbows? Do you live off of money made three or more generations ago by a soundrel? Does the term "Preppy" offend you as being much too nouveau and personally insulting? Are you a "Clubman"?

If any of these comments applies to you, or to anyone you know, then this is your kind of book. In addition to being hilarious, it is right on the money.

After you finish it, buy a copy of "Old Money" by Nelson Aldrich or anything by Lewis Lapham.

the ingredients in all of Donna Hay's books are simple but the flavors collide perfectly. Just looking at the photographs is inspiring enough to start cooking. I own 2 of her books and am now addicted to getting the full series because i know that each book pays particular attention to quality.

I bought both The New Cook and Entertaining during the same month due to the interesting food pairings and fusion of different ethinic cooking styles. I have not been dissapointed. Most of the recipes are extremely simple to make yet real crowd pleasers! (I feel confident enought with this cookbook to make a recipe without taste-testing it first - not many cookbooks inspire me to do this!) I am an avid cook (mostly vegetarian, some seafood.) The variety and richness of the flavors in this book continually inpsire my desire to create in the kitchen, and i really enjoy just browsing through it to learn about interesting food pairings and unusual combinations. If you'd like a little food adventure, this one's for you!

I was an average 'throw it together - if it's edible, good enough' cook. Then my brother (an excellent cook) gave me this book for Christams. I was truly inspired with the photography (every recipe is beautifully presented), so much so that I now take pride in producing chic, simple dishes that are simply delicious. If you consider cooking a chore and need inspiration, this book is a must!

If you enjoy reading the "Rules" in Esquire, you'll really enjoy finding so many in one place. I read mine and then packaged it up for a gift for my college-aged son.

Rule #97: "Never trust a man who claps backs." Rule $95: "Rightfielders are the ugliest baseball players." Rule #24: "A man in a minivan is half a man." All true, and all very funny. While it's written with the tongue firmly planted in cheek, any self-respecting man could do a lot worse than following Esquire's rules...especially rule #21: "Talk half as much as you listen."

I bought this originally off the $1 bargain table as a stocking stuffer but found it so amusing I had to order a copy for myself. Its a tongue-in-cheek take on rules of the man's world with enough truth to strike a chord and provide much needed humor into this complicated topic. Makes a good (and cheap) gift.

Just read this book and must say Wow! I have 2 step-kids that can be horrors in public places. Thanks for a great guide!

I think I have just read a book that is about to become my new favorite. I'm a teen, just thought you should know. For a few weeks I've been searching for a book that dealt with teen beauty, manners, exercise, and eating right. This book is all I could have hoped for. It fits the bill perfectly! In this book many topics are covered, each having genuine importants; things you really wanted to know. This book isn't the typical growing up, and changing book, its much better. This book is beyond the facts of life, though I wouldn't want to have to grow up without it. One section in this hardback, 171 page book discusses self-esteem, being a fun, not boring person, and ettiquette, including letter writing, table manners, and what to do on a date. That section dealing with inner beauty was very uplifting , but helped me to realize some faults of mine that needed fixing. The second section, more or less, dealt with outer beauty: the application of make-up, facial cleansing, nail care, and your crowning glory: hair. This section ended with discussing fashion, and really motivated me to clean my closet. The pages that addressed exercise and eating right were my favorites, they really made me want to stay in shape, and made it fun to do so. A final section even thoroughly talked about the possibility of modeling, which had been brought up a few times throughout the book otherwise. I loved this book, and truely believe that it will help me be more beautiful both inside and outside. I hope this review will prompt others to read this book and change themselves for the better also. Another book dealing with these issues is "Beauty From the Inside Out." I would also recommend reading this. One final thing that I would like to say is that didn't give this book five stars for nothing.

I think I have just read a book that is about to become my new favorite. I'm a teen, just thought you should know. For a few weeks I've been searching for a book that dealt with teen beauty, manners, exercise, and eating right. This book is all I could have hoped for. It fits the bill perfectly! In this book many topics are covered, each having genuine importants; things you really wanted to know. This book isn't the typical growing up, and changing book, its much better. This book is beyond the facts of life, though I wouldn't want to have to grow up without it. One section in this hardback, 171 page book discusses self-esteem, being a fun, not boring person, and ettiquette, including letter writing, table manners, and what to do on a date. That section dealing with inner beauty was very uplifting , but helped me to realize some faults of mine that needed fixing. The second section, more or less, dealt with outer beauty: the application of make-up, facial cleansing, nail care, and your crowning glory: hair. This section ended with discussing fashion, and really motivated me to clean my closet. The pages that addressed exercise and eating right were my favorites, they really made me want to stay in shape, and made it fun to do so. A final section even thoroughly talked about the possibility of modeling, which had been brought up a few times throughout the book otherwise. I loved this book, and truely believe that it will help me be more beautiful both inside and outside. I hope this review will prompt others to read this book and change themselves for the better also. Another book dealing with these issues is "Beauty From the Inside Out." I would also recommend reading this. One final thing that I would like to say is that didn't give this book five stars for nothing.

I purchased two copies of this book for two soon-to-be flowergirls. What a great idea to make sure they feel included in the wedding and to show them how important they are on that big day.

After reading this book, you know everything that's needed to have fun as a flower girl. I think this would make any little child who is going to participate in the wedding of a loved one more at ease with the entire experience. Having the basket and petals built in was a really nice touch.

I have read this book and think the authors did a very nice job in explaining the process of being a flowergirl from beginning to end. The illustrations were lovely. It is a great book for prospective flowergirls.

Love this book, I love to entertain, and this book provides you with so many ideas, it's great, and very diverse

I had to write a review for this book b/c I owe my cooking skills to Fran Warde. Before this book, I was afraid to entertain. I'd make lasagna again and again. Something safe and easy. And then I happened to come across Fran's book at Z Gallerie and it changed everything. This book showed me that cooking can be simple, fun, and entirely worth it. Fran's recipes are easy to prepare, fun to look at (tons of colorful pictures), and is good for a cook at any level. Pictures are so important for the novice chef b/c it helps with plating and setting the tone and the photographer took such excellent pictures of the dishes. The cookbook is also very well written and easy to follow. Also, the end products are very complex, but you'd be surprised how easy it was to get the ingredients (all available at your local supermarket). I am planning to get Fran's other book as well. Anyway, it was because of this book that I moved onto more advanced cookbooks. I think everyone should give this book a shot! Thanks, Fran!

This is just an outstanding production of great, creative menus served with flair and taste and style and all presented in glorious full-color photos throughout with great instructions and helpful advice.

It is organized around events, e.g. Weekend Dings --- Sage and Stilton Flatbread; Roast Rib of Beef with Yorkshire Puddings, Carrot and Spinach Butter Mash, and Vin Santo Trifle.

With each is A Work Plan, Wine Suggestions, and Serving Suggestions.

Outstanding work which is so well done and very creative food!