Not the dinosaur you'd think, Peggy Post’s “Emily Post’s Etiquette“, specifically the introduction - A Note to Readers and Part One - Everyday Etiquette are a must read. No - I’m really not suggesting you need to read and follow 847 pages of detailed advice on manners, but in a time where an ‘everything goes’ attitude combined with the stultification of political correctness has led us to a point where what we say and do is governed more by an intolerance for ideological diversity than by kindness and common sense - the book provides a roadmap back to civility. From the introduction:

"Etiquette must be active. It isn’t enough to now what to do. Courtesy matters only when it is translated into everyday behavior - not just put on for show when it’s convenient. The rewards of an active commitment to everyday courtesy are myriad, though not often tangible. There are also important personal rewards that some peopel may not even be aware of, including the self-confidence that comes from knowing what to do in new or difficult situations; a positive reputation with others; and personal relationships that are more congenial, even in times of stress, because the people involved treat one another with respect.” ( )

Unintentionally hilarious. Were she alive today, Emily Post would consider this unabashedly straightforward review to be quite the faux pas... ( )

An updated and inferior version of the 1922 classic: http://www.bartleby.com/95/ ( )

I bought this when I became an Army wife to make sure I always dressed appropriately and addressed everyone correctly. This is the kind of book you just have to have on your bookshelf somewhere, because there will always be a situation where you should reference this kind of book. ( )

This book is a very good all around etiquette reference. Not my favorite for correspondence etiquette. Look to the Crane Blue Books for the general correspondence and wedding correspondence details. For any other etiquette question, Emily Post is the source I prefer to use. ( )

My m-i-l gave this to me when we became engaged to say "welcome to our family" (an exact quote). Yikes! In spite of this, I have actually referred to it a few times over the years. --rwj