Emily Post’s Etiquette; The Centennial Edition

Emphasizing consideration, respect, and honesty as the heart of contemporary American etiquette, Emily Post’s great-great grandchildren Post (Higher Etiquette) and Senning (Manners in a Digital World) offer appropriate 21st-century etiquette advice. At 416 pages, this tome focuses on entertaining and daily behaviors, including greetings, conversations, correspondence, personal appearance, table manners, misfortune, entertaining, daily public activities, tipping, tech use, and gifting. The chapters range from nine pages (defining etiquette) to 69 pages (on conversation, correspondence, and invitations) and include tables and charts; easily accessible reference lists; and words and actions to avoid. There are many helpful real-world examples, such as how to appropriately refer to people who are transgender or nonbinary. The chapter on table manners includes prayers, toasts, table settings, American and Continental European utensil use, and multiple courses. In a major change from previous editions, some topics (weddings, business, attire) are barely mentioned or have been moved to specialized website articles or entirely separate books. There is no formal bibliography, but the acknowledgements include a brief list of additional reading.