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★★☆☆☆
Emily Post is not what it used to be
I had long wanted to own a copy of this and finally got around to buying one.
I was definitely in the market for a quaint guide to manners for my edification and amusement.
Unfortunately, the Emily Post empire has changed. Her books from the 60's were unapologetically prescriptive: Do this, Don't do that, Always do . .
But after spending a couple of hours with this book, I believe that over the years the enterprise has been so watered-down that it's now entirely descriptive, instead of prescriptive: Some people do this, others do this. Some otherwise high-class folks can be caught these days resting their elbows on the table during dinner, the editorial staff has noticed.
I know that. I don't need the book to tell me that "Some people hold the door open for ladies, others don't."
Get some balls, guys.
June 2012 · Books · verified purchase