Available at:

 amazon.com

 

 

 

Town&Country

 

MODERN MANNERS

 

THE THINKING PERSON'S

GUIDE TO SOCIAL GRACES

 

 THOMAS P. FARLEY

 

Town & Country magazine has been synonymous with good taste and refinement for more than a century. So who better to comment on the need for manners in a time of constant cell phone chatter, non-step competition, hair-trigger-tempers, and fast-paced lifestyles? Both humorous and insightful, this sparkling collection of essays reflects on the pressing need for kindness, consideration, and civilized behavior. And the list of contributors is stellar: David Brown makes a persuasive plea for civility; Jamie Lee Curtis talks about "Having Dinner with the Family"; Sonya Friedman reflects on motherhood; Charles Osgood comments on everyday courtesies; and Ted Sorenson discusses "Patriotic Pride." With topics that range from the art of listening to good elevator etiquette, these eloquent pieces offer advice worth following.

 

Review:

"Does the world need yet another book on contemporary etiquette? If it's this classy volume of engaging essays edited by Farley, Town & Country senior editor and overseer of the magazine's "Social Graces" column, the answer is a resounding Yes! Not your standard etiquette manual, this anthology collects thoughtful, charming, and witty views penned by keen social observers like Miss Manners, television host Hugh Downs, memoirist Frank McCourt, and columnist and television commentator Peggy Noonan. In addition to addressing de rigueur issues such as cell phone usage and wedding etiquette, the book encompasses rarely addressed issues, e.g., dealing with social insincerity, coping with pregnant "Momzillas," preparing a eulogy, negotiating turf with a child's nanny, and respecting one's spouse. Contributor Martha Woodham (The Bride Did What?!: Etiquette for the Wedding Impaired) sums it up succinctly: "Perhaps the best commandment is the simplest: life's short; play sweet." Highly recommended for all collections."

-- Deborah Ebster, Library Journal

 

About the Author:

Town & Country magazine has set the standard for elegance -- in spirit, style and attitude -- ever since it's inception in 1846.

Thomas P. Farley, a senior editor at Town & Country, has overseen the magazine's highly popular "Social Graces" section for five years. "I think of it not as an etiquette column, but as a guidebook for living a thoughtful life," he says. The unique challenge of editing "Social Graces," admits Farley, is that the scope of topics is limitless: "When it comes to bad behavior, there will always be plenty for us to write about."