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Keeping Up Appearances: Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette for the Socially Less Fortunate
Hyacinth Bucket - pronounced "Bouquet" - star of the BBC1 comedy series, "Keeping Up Appearances", imparts her personal views on protecting one's social standing. There are sections on etiquette in the home, entertaining, social obligations, how to strike up an acquaintance with members of the aristocracy, and improving the mind. They all give an insight into Hyacinth's philosophy of life, developed through years of candle-light suppers and charity sub-committee meetings. The book is based on the television scripts by Roy Clarke.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 1993
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234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 25, 2018
When I was a kid we watched "Keeping Up Appearances" religiously. Our Aunt was the personification of Hyacinth!! We'd roll around on the couch, laughing at just how accurately the show described our fussy, status-obsessed relative.
I picked up this book, fictional Hyacinth's version of "Dear Emily Post", for $2 in an op shop. It was published in 1993, making the book 25 years old. Many of us would have fond memories of Hyacinth, but I doubt the show and the character would resonate with young people today.
It is an entertaining read for anyone familiar with the BBC TV show. I laughed out loud at some of the jokes. Very amusing, but very, very light in its substance.
3.5★s
I picked up this book, fictional Hyacinth's version of "Dear Emily Post", for $2 in an op shop. It was published in 1993, making the book 25 years old. Many of us would have fond memories of Hyacinth, but I doubt the show and the character would resonate with young people today.
It is an entertaining read for anyone familiar with the BBC TV show. I laughed out loud at some of the jokes. Very amusing, but very, very light in its substance.
3.5★s
June 26, 2022
The book does not bring anything new, but gives you the opportunity to let sequences from individual episodes pass in peace.
When you open it and start reading, you feel like sitting opposite a hyacinth and strongly talking about you! I'm imagining to hear her voice! It is a pleasure to follow their thoughts and immerse themselves in their world. Even those who do not know the series already have the “right impression” of Hyacinth after the introduction and can guess what this book is: the nightmare of a woman who likes to control her fellow human beings, harasses her and constantly teaches a better, likes to emphasize her supposedly socially higher level (which may be questioned) !) , which is therefore feared by most, but which ignores and unrestrained her self-imposed task: to make it clear to the people around her that she, hyacinth “bouquet”, is the embodiment of etiquette and is looking for equal society. But life is rarely involved and therefore every day is a new challenge for Hyacinth.
A truly amusing book, full of underneath tips, a delightful encouraging.
When you open it and start reading, you feel like sitting opposite a hyacinth and strongly talking about you! I'm imagining to hear her voice! It is a pleasure to follow their thoughts and immerse themselves in their world. Even those who do not know the series already have the “right impression” of Hyacinth after the introduction and can guess what this book is: the nightmare of a woman who likes to control her fellow human beings, harasses her and constantly teaches a better, likes to emphasize her supposedly socially higher level (which may be questioned) !) , which is therefore feared by most, but which ignores and unrestrained her self-imposed task: to make it clear to the people around her that she, hyacinth “bouquet”, is the embodiment of etiquette and is looking for equal society. But life is rarely involved and therefore every day is a new challenge for Hyacinth.
A truly amusing book, full of underneath tips, a delightful encouraging.
September 24, 2011
i love hyacinth.....ooops i mean i love mrs richard bucket. and her dear husband richard. all the people in the book feel like neighbors
July 19, 2019
Absolutely hilarious and stands true to the show. The lovers of the British Sitcom of Keeping Up Appearances will delight in reading and owning this faux manners guidebook for their coffee table.
Full of anecdotes, it relives several moments from the TV show. They are told exclusively from Hyacinth's POV. You have black and white photographs of memorable instances and dialogues. It will make you chuckle out loud as you read the experiences each one faces in Hyacinth's company, from the mailman, milkman, Vicar, Richard, Daisy, Rose, Onslow and ofcourse Elizabeth. I couldn't help reading Hyacinth's answers to the questions in her voice. However you have to be familiar with the show to truly enjoy this book. Totally recommend reading this one! A true gem of a book.
Full of anecdotes, it relives several moments from the TV show. They are told exclusively from Hyacinth's POV. You have black and white photographs of memorable instances and dialogues. It will make you chuckle out loud as you read the experiences each one faces in Hyacinth's company, from the mailman, milkman, Vicar, Richard, Daisy, Rose, Onslow and ofcourse Elizabeth. I couldn't help reading Hyacinth's answers to the questions in her voice. However you have to be familiar with the show to truly enjoy this book. Totally recommend reading this one! A true gem of a book.
Want to read
March 24, 2012I MUST get this for my mother for Mother's Day!!
July 12, 2020
4.5 stars, rounded up because I love the show so much. This is a novelization of some of the funny moments from the show as narrated by Hyacinth. She’s quite a character!
March 3, 2022
This had some amusing bits, but is mostly a rehashing of scenes from the shows—and let's face it, Hyacinth Bucket without Patricia Routledge's delivery, while still funny, isn't nearly as amusing. If I hadn't been reading this book for a challenge, I probably wouldn't have finished.
The best part is the index, which I did get a kick out of.
The best part is the index, which I did get a kick out of.
December 31, 2025
From the cover to the author bios, the photo captions to the index, this book is loaded with gems. It is evident that Roy Clarke played a key role in writing, as he nailed Hyacinth's internal dialogue just as well as he captures her external persona on the TV show. While it is significantly a recapping of many key episode moments, it is also done in a reframing from Hyacinth's perspective that is masterful. A must-have for any fan.
March 3, 2022
Laugh out loud.
April 22, 2014
I'm not a great fan of this television series. I guess that makes my admiration for this book all the more remarkable. It's full of funny anecdotes about Hyacinth, her husband, her friends (especially Elizabeth) and her family.
While I wouldn't go so far as to call it 'gripping' or a 'real page-turner', it still contains plenty to amuse, entertain, and enlighten. Clean and written with style, as Hyacinth herself says, it makes a good present, even for Grandma.
Five stars.
While I wouldn't go so far as to call it 'gripping' or a 'real page-turner', it still contains plenty to amuse, entertain, and enlighten. Clean and written with style, as Hyacinth herself says, it makes a good present, even for Grandma.
Five stars.
August 28, 2011
True Hyacinth Bucket fans will live to love this little number. Written as though it is an etiquette book with all sorts of anecdotes and memories from the family (references to moments in the show). Loved it from beginning to end.
July 23, 2017
Fun way to relive this hilarious TV show - lots of candid photos so the physical humor is not lost.
May 23, 2018
Hilarious. Deserves it's place along anything by Mrs. Beeton.
July 17, 2022
I cannot imagine anyone on the planet reading this book without being a huge fan of the show. I love the show so much, I own the dvd set! However, this is an example of when the movie (or tv show, in this case) is better than the book. It was fun to be reminded of Hyacinth’s shenanigans from the show, but reading this book without the background of seeing the show would leave a reader confused and probably not very entertained. I did expect to see a bit more “how to” in this book which is really a lot of recapping the show.
July 10, 2019
I loved this, as is to be expected since I also love the show! It relives several moments from the tv show, but provides a little deeper insight into Hyacinth's psyche!
March 7, 2008
Hilarious book for anyone a fan of the BBC program "Keeping Up Appearances". Candlelight supper, anyone? :)
August 2, 2011
brilliantly hilarious
Want to read
March 22, 2012Oh my gosh, I LOVE "Keeping Up Appearances"--I had no idea there was this accompanying book ;-)
May 8, 2012
Another book of Hyacinth, Daisy, Rose & Violet is priceless!
June 2, 2013
Haha I'd forgotten how she misinterprets situations and turns it around to her suit her life style. Enjoy
March 9, 2014
Love it!
September 11, 2024
Based on episodes of the hilarious English sitcom, “Keeping Up Appearances”: the book format uses the lead character, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet” for the socially less informed), social-climbing creature from hell, as the authoress of this book as she gladly dispenses advice to readers eager to learn the ropes on attaining higher social status. In addition to Hyacinth, other characters in the book to whom she refers include family members, neighbours, public servants, those further ahead on the social ladder, and presumed enemies (notice the absence of the word “friends”).
Like many of the episodes, Hyacinth tries desperately to avoid mixing some of her laid-back, working-class family members with those she is trying desperately (and foolishly) to impress. Those family members include her sister Rose (always on the lookout to catch a new man – reflected in her dress code), another sister Daisy and Daisy’s husband Onslow whose casual outlook and lifestyle are a total contrast to those of Hyacinth. Her likeable husband, Richard, seems to have the ability to endure much mental torture. And the book joyfully includes amusing photos such as those of next-door neighbour Elizabeth who, in various still shots, shows a look of terror whenever she is in the home (and presence) of Hyacinth.
While older televised episodes are recalled during the short chapters, the reader gets the addition of Hyacinth’s hilarious inner thoughts that display her usual pretense (expressed with superb British wit), and naïveté.
Of course, I recommend seeing episodes of the series whenever you get the chance. A personal favourite is the one in which Hyacinth was expecting a delivery of a three-piece furniture set (that was an exact replica of one at Sandringham House). She was zealously intent that the delivering truck had a royal seal on both sides! And the best line I recall was when the family was at a church function and Rose was dressed like she was in a pickup bar. Hyacinth said, “Rose, for heaven’s sake, pull down your skirt! You’re bound to have us all ex-communicated.”
The book is a great read for our current difficult times. - dbamateurcritic
Like many of the episodes, Hyacinth tries desperately to avoid mixing some of her laid-back, working-class family members with those she is trying desperately (and foolishly) to impress. Those family members include her sister Rose (always on the lookout to catch a new man – reflected in her dress code), another sister Daisy and Daisy’s husband Onslow whose casual outlook and lifestyle are a total contrast to those of Hyacinth. Her likeable husband, Richard, seems to have the ability to endure much mental torture. And the book joyfully includes amusing photos such as those of next-door neighbour Elizabeth who, in various still shots, shows a look of terror whenever she is in the home (and presence) of Hyacinth.
While older televised episodes are recalled during the short chapters, the reader gets the addition of Hyacinth’s hilarious inner thoughts that display her usual pretense (expressed with superb British wit), and naïveté.
Of course, I recommend seeing episodes of the series whenever you get the chance. A personal favourite is the one in which Hyacinth was expecting a delivery of a three-piece furniture set (that was an exact replica of one at Sandringham House). She was zealously intent that the delivering truck had a royal seal on both sides! And the best line I recall was when the family was at a church function and Rose was dressed like she was in a pickup bar. Hyacinth said, “Rose, for heaven’s sake, pull down your skirt! You’re bound to have us all ex-communicated.”
The book is a great read for our current difficult times. - dbamateurcritic
January 19, 2018
I have watched Hyacinth ever since she first graced our TV screen many, many years ago.
In her continual quest to ascend the social ladder and be seen as the best kind of person, doing the best kind of things, she unthinkingly treads on the toes of just about everyone about her. Very few manage to remain unaffected by her annoying habits, which provide great comedy in every episode. 'Enough is never enough, it has to be the best!', seems to be her motto.
This book recycles parts of stories (told exclusively from Hyacinth's POV) as advice for the socially less fortunate. It's amusing, but you have to be familiar with Hyacinth from the TV show to fully appreciate the humour of it all.
The author adds little to the excellent scripts from Roy Clarke, freely retelling plots and quoting dialogue from the original episodes. The photographs (mainly in Black & White) from the TV show are an added bonus.
In her continual quest to ascend the social ladder and be seen as the best kind of person, doing the best kind of things, she unthinkingly treads on the toes of just about everyone about her. Very few manage to remain unaffected by her annoying habits, which provide great comedy in every episode. 'Enough is never enough, it has to be the best!', seems to be her motto.
This book recycles parts of stories (told exclusively from Hyacinth's POV) as advice for the socially less fortunate. It's amusing, but you have to be familiar with Hyacinth from the TV show to fully appreciate the humour of it all.
The author adds little to the excellent scripts from Roy Clarke, freely retelling plots and quoting dialogue from the original episodes. The photographs (mainly in Black & White) from the TV show are an added bonus.
February 11, 2020
This is a series that me and my fiancé have watched several times over. I thought this was a great book and I thought that it kept the character of Hyacinth intact. However, it does have a major flaw. It has her referring to things that Hyacinth could never know about. There were conversations she referred to between Emmett and Elizabeth that she was not there to hear, and also with Daisy and Onslow she couldn't have known about. Overall, it still stuck to the series pretty well despite, in some cases, a few misstatements of what was said. Because of the misstatements, I will give it four out of five stars.
October 22, 2024
Keeping up appearances is one of my favourite series. It is so funny to see Hyacinth try so hard to outclass everyone around her and all the funny situations it gets her in.
This book is a mix of Hyacinth answering questions from the public and scenes and dialog from the earlier seasons of the show. The extra commentary of Hyacinth on situations and her view of social etiquette is the most interesting.
This book is a mix of Hyacinth answering questions from the public and scenes and dialog from the earlier seasons of the show. The extra commentary of Hyacinth on situations and her view of social etiquette is the most interesting.
March 20, 2025
This is a very funny book "written" by Hyacinth Bucket, informing her "readers" of various etiquette tips that will help them improve their social lot.
If you enjoy "Keeping Up Appearances", you'll enjoy this book, as it's basically a rehash of the series in print form. It's a very entertaining little book which can be read in about two sittings. Pictures illustrate a wonderful cast of characters. This is a read that's sure to keep you grinning from ear to ear as you turn its pages.
If you enjoy "Keeping Up Appearances", you'll enjoy this book, as it's basically a rehash of the series in print form. It's a very entertaining little book which can be read in about two sittings. Pictures illustrate a wonderful cast of characters. This is a read that's sure to keep you grinning from ear to ear as you turn its pages.
January 20, 2021
I actually found this in hardback at a secondhand store. It's very much a love letter to fans of the show, and Hyacinth, does in fact, answer letters from people all over the UK. There's a big gap between starting this read and ending it, but at least she gave a few guidelines for candlelit suppers (be it in Hyacinth style).
April 15, 2022
Fun, and if you don’t watch the show, it doesn’t really matter. A knowledge of the show’s premise is somewhat necessary, though. Bought this book for a friend who is a fanatic about Hyacinth and somewhat like the star (as she herself admits). I decided to read it first and I really hope she enjoys it, too. #1345.
November 7, 2025
Read a while back before I had Goodreads, re-read in honour of the late Patricia Routledge. It is a bit of a retelling of certain key moments from Keeping Up Appearances, so no original stuff, but it's still enjoyable in its own right and Hyacinth Bucket's (er, Bouquet's) snobbery shines off the pages. If you like Keeping Up Appearances you'll get some enjoyment out of this book!
February 1, 2022
A useful guide to keeping up appearances, focusing very much on the dedication of Richard, on the hopelessness of Onslow, on perseverance with Daddy and the general motions of the socially-aware individual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews