Etiquette Books

I feel foolish praising such a small book to high heaven. But,I must say that this book is a fascinating read. I bought it duringmy first business trip to Japan and couldn't put it down.

The book's author, an American, has lived in Japan for 50 years. It's clear that he knows the language and the culture. Moreover, he also has kept in touch with the States, and still has the ability to communicate with an American audience. As I said, the book is small. It's only half the physical dimensions of an ordinary book. It is about 170 pages in length. There are 64 chapters, so each chapter is only 2-3 pages long. Each chapter is like a short essay on some minute but nonetheless important detail about Japanese business culture, or advice on how to successfully interface with it. Some of the chapter titles are : The Role of the Greeting Ritual, The Name Card System, How to Recognize "No," The Importance of Going to Japan, Making the First Contact, Seeing Behind the Facade, The Importance of Following up, How to Use Interpreters, Dealing at the Negotiating Table, More Mistakes Foreigners Make, and Mastering the Art of Business at Night. Each of these short chapters is very well written.

The author has obviously advised many foreign companies on how to approach the Japanese and how to get past all the suspicion and barriers that prevent the Japanese from establishing a formal relationship with a foreign firm. His descriptions of how the Japanese protocol functions, how the Japanese company functions, the importance of etiquette, the all-important socializing between potential business partners, the Japanese sense of caution, their fixation on outward appearance, their "group think" mentality, their concern that everything be right and that everyone be comfortable with any new venture before it can begin, and even his description of how Buddhism affects the Japanese business mentality, singularly and in toto indicate that the author really knows what he is talking about.

I've lived a year or more in four different countries, and written about the culture of three of them. It's hard to write about a culture in a way that does not sound like criticism or like proselytizing. Yet, Boye De Mente manages to do so. The reader becomes far more sophisticated in a couple of hours than (s)he was before picking up the book. I was so impressed that after reading this book, I ordered another by the same author. I'll definitely read this book again before my next business trip to Japan.

I feel foolish praising such a small book to high heaven. But, I must say that this book is a fascinating read. I bought it during my first business trip to Japan and couldn't put it down.

The book's author, an American, has lived in Japan for 50 years. It's clear that he knows the language and the culture. Moreover, he also has kept in touch with the States, and still has the ability to communicate with an American audience. As I said, the book is small. It's only half the physical dimensions of an ordinary book. It is about 170 pages in length. There are 64 chapters, so each chapter is only 2-3 pages long. Each chapter is like a short essay on some minute but nonetheless important detail about Japanese business culture, or advice on how to successfully interface with it. Some of the chapter titles are : The Role of the Greeting Ritual, The Name Card System, How to Recognize "No," The Importance of Going to Japan, Making the First Contact, Seeing Behind the Facade, The Importance of Following up, How to Use Interpreters, Dealing at the Negotiating Table, More Mistakes Foreigners Make, and Mastering the Art of Business at Night. Each of these short chapters is very well written.

The author has obviously advised many foreign companies on how to approach the Japanese and how to get past all the suspicion and barriers that prevent the Japanese from establishing a formal relationship with a foreign firm. His descriptions of how the Japanese protocol functions, how the Japanese company functions, the importance of etiquette, the all-important socializing between potential business partners, the Japanese sense of caution, their fixation on outward appearance, their "group think" mentality, their concern that everything be right and that everyone be comfortable with any new venture before it can begin, and even his description of how Buddhism affects the Japanese business mentality, singularly and in toto indicate that the author really knows what he is talking about.

I've lived a year or more in four different countries, and written about the culture of three of them. It's hard to write about a culture in a way that does not sound like criticism or like proselytizing. Yet, Boye De Mente manages to do so. The reader becomes far more sophisticated in a couple of hours than (s)he was before picking up the book. I was so impressed that after reading this book, I ordered another by the same author. I'll definitely read this book again before my next business trip to Japan.

Young kids, medium-aged kids, teenagers and adults will all recognize themselves and get a real kick out of this book. The idea is fresh, the prose is playful and matches well with the colorful and energetic illustrations - the book is a real delight.

Children will grin as they recognize themselves in these pages. Parents will nod knowingly. Kids and grown-ups will laugh together as they read this fun book that takes a light-hearted look at the claims and complaints that children often make about cleaning their rooms, wearing boots, going to bed, and so on. Kay Winters has given us a book that is just plain fun and, as a bonus, may help children put their complaints in perspective. Doug Cushman's delightful and richly imagined illustrations add to the enjoyment!

My daughter received the video to this book when she was 10 months old. I so fell in love with the Buzby/Elvis character that when I found the book at a 2nd hand shop I had to get it.

Although the video is still a little advanced for my daughter, the book isn't. I have put actions to "pray", "he covered his ears and flew away" and she loves to point her finger and say "let my friends go!". My daughter is now 20 months old it is still one of her top choices for reading.

I am sure the message of why God made rules is going to be very helpful to her as she gets older. This book is definitely a winner.

My little boy is 22 months old and he LOVES this book. Every night he asked for "Hermie" and he'll go find Buzby or another Hermie book out of a stack of books and bring it to me. I bought him the DVD but it's still just a little to old for him to truly enjoy it but he LOVES LOVES LOVES this book. It's so fun to read to him to there's just enough characters to keep useing funny voices but not SO many you get them mixed up. I can't write enough good things about this book. It's a must buy for any kid in my personal opinion.

very good photos but not enough information on charro working life

Ion Gibbon

Lovely photos and words reveal a traditional sport, way of life and skills comparable to the American rodeo. Boys, girls, young women and men join in for a day of celebration centered around style, courage, horses and skill with a rope. Over 2 & 1/2 dozen Spanish words are introduced through the text. I would reocmmend this book to students in the 4th and 5th grades.

This is an excellent book full of interesting ideas. You not only learn circumstances of being "cheap" but also how to adapt your own ideas to cut expenses.

This seems to be good for those who entertain, and those who want to do catering and need some ideas.

A book for people who want to entertain with efficiency, shortcuts, and bargains. Many good suggestions, especially for unique gatherings and kids' parties and games. I loved her instructions for making piñatas. Includes resources for where to buy items and easy recipes.

I'm actually the author's wife so i hope it's okay for me to use this category to let people know that A Civil Tongue just own an important prize: the Spitz Prize for the best political theory book in 1995 and 96

I'm actually the author's wife so I hope it's okay for me to use this category of review to let people know that A Civil Tongue just won an important prize: the Spitz prize for the best political theory book published in 1995 and 96

Surely one of the most educational books for young readers, this informative volume traces the evolution of clothing from prehistoric times to the present day.

Glowingly illustrated in sun-washed pastels by author/artist Ventura, the book includes a glossary of relevant terms.

For a nice gift package, pair it with "Houses" by the same artist/author.

An excellent summary of the history of clothing and styles aimed at a younger reader. It covers the full spectrum of human history and contains stunning and often humorous illustrations by the author. A good overview for an older child or a preteen; but when buying it for a child be warned that there are some drawings of topless women in the ancient and medieval sections.

Finally, an etiquette book that is relevant to today's business world. Everything important is covered from the right handshake to dress-down Friday's to how much to tip. I especially liked the chapters on basic common courtesies that we seem to have forgotton, such as not refilling the copy machine paper and not chewing with your mouth full.

Every person in the working world from the mailroom to the executive offices should read this. It would certainly make work much more pleasant.

I have read this book... I think it is great, well-illustrated, and comprehensive...

This book teachs the ABC of etiquette. A person that never knows about etiquette can learn from this book, still, it is great for those whom know about etiquette, since it is really advanced...

I do recommend it

This may be a life changing book. The rules are simple. Do not try the unusual to get ahead. Be extremely good at your work and follow the conventions of the workplace. Advancement most often takes time, is not a quick jump up the ladder by calling attention to yourself.

This book is an unknown classic. It tells the real way to get ahead in a large bureaucracy. Most of the Tom Peters type books on success in business deal with the 2 percent of companies that are run by a great, innovative leader. The other 98% are the real world in which many frustrated managers create mini-fiefdoms where they yield power and stifle productivity. This book is funny but it provides real insights into how to navigate up the ladder of business. I have a MBA and have read many of the top inspirational business books and this is the best, most practical book on how to get ahead in the real world that I have read. It is a one of a kind, I strongly recommend it. The author is a Ph.D who worked for the Ford Motor Company. Very funny.

I got this with 2 business days. It was a used one however looks just like a new one.

Great concentration on corporate events, it made learning so much easier. The case studies that allow for hands-on learning and the accompanying web site that contains simulated events all were factors in making the book more stimulating.