What do you think?
Rate this book
The Butler Speaks: A Return to Proper Etiquette, Stylish Entertaining, and the Art of Good Housekeeping
Host a dinner party * Make a bed * Set a table * Use the proper fork * Polish silver * Prepare high tea * Present a calling card * Make conversation * Fold a shirt ... all with the charm, ease and sophistication of a butler. Now in its fifth printing, this beautifully illustrated style, etiquette and entertainment guide lays out the essentials of entertaining and household management in a clear, straightforward style. For anyone who rents or owns--be it a small urban condo or a lavish country estate--The Butler Speaks includes everything you need to know to simplify, organize and care for your home. Charles MacPherson offers modern advice on personal style and etiquette--how to receive guests; present your business card; make polite dinner conversation-- and advice on entertaining at home--how to make a cheese plate; hold your cutlery; set a table--all with the flair, charm and unpretentious grace of the butler.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
76 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 11, 2018
It's moments like when I pick up a book subtitled "A Return to Proper Etiquette" that I realise my tastes and interests might be slightly different than a lot of people. Because I majored in history and work in a museum, I get a lot of "history is boring"-esque comments whenever anyone asks me about it. Obviously I think they are quite wrong, and I usually let it go. But when I find myself reading a chapter on how to properly carve meat or faced with several diagrams outlying the various styles of fork, I have to laugh and think that yes, most people would find a book like this terribly boring. I'll admit that I don't particularly care for the differing depths of cleaning, but I actually quite enjoyed this book. It was exactly what I was looking for. If you've ever sat watching Downton Abbey and wonder exactly what are all the rules that Mr Carson insists on sticking steadfastly to (which I admit is the reason I sought out this book in the first place), this book is for you. My main reason was that I wanted to be able to understand the hierarchy of servants in a household such as Downton Abbey, and this book certainly delivers in that respect. It is also funny in some passages, as the author often hints that he understands how ridiculous some of it may seem, but it happily brings him joy nonetheless. I thoroughly believe that if Mr Carson found himself in the 21st century, he would certainly look much like Charles MacPherson. At the very, very least, the (rather extensive) wine-pairing list at the end of the book will prove to be very useful indeed.
July 30, 2013
Now that there is a new royal heir for the English throne it might behoove all of us to bone up on our entertaining etiquette and housekeeping art. Who knows, we might someday be called upon to host a royal member of the Windsor family (or a royal personage of another country). Or just one’s boss or picky in-law.
Actually, I found a lot of good common sense and ideas in this book from a man who has spent over 24 years as a “major-domo for one of Canada’s most prominent families.” And in 2009 he opened the only registered school for butlers and household managers in North America and it seems his students have great prospects for work in private homes and public areas.
While there is some repetition in the book it might not be a problem as many may only read certain chapters and not the whole book. I found that I did breeze through some chapters while other chapters I thoroughly read. It depends on the chapter’s focus. As an example, setting a table was interesting but not presenting a calling card. Washing dishes (including how to properly load a dishwasher) and cleaning stainless steel cutlery held more interest than ironing a newspaper (yes, some still do that even today). I loved how to brew a proper pot of tea (with a tea bag or the loose-leaf method) and types of coffee styles but not sure I wanted to learn more about polite table conversation. Types of table service (plates, bowls and glassware included) and how to carve different types of meat was informative but not how to use a knife and fork (American, Continental or European style).
A book of knowledge that most of us will find useful in one way or another – especially if you can’t afford to have that special butler or household manager to assist you when you are next called upon to host a party or even royalty.
Actually, I found a lot of good common sense and ideas in this book from a man who has spent over 24 years as a “major-domo for one of Canada’s most prominent families.” And in 2009 he opened the only registered school for butlers and household managers in North America and it seems his students have great prospects for work in private homes and public areas.
While there is some repetition in the book it might not be a problem as many may only read certain chapters and not the whole book. I found that I did breeze through some chapters while other chapters I thoroughly read. It depends on the chapter’s focus. As an example, setting a table was interesting but not presenting a calling card. Washing dishes (including how to properly load a dishwasher) and cleaning stainless steel cutlery held more interest than ironing a newspaper (yes, some still do that even today). I loved how to brew a proper pot of tea (with a tea bag or the loose-leaf method) and types of coffee styles but not sure I wanted to learn more about polite table conversation. Types of table service (plates, bowls and glassware included) and how to carve different types of meat was informative but not how to use a knife and fork (American, Continental or European style).
A book of knowledge that most of us will find useful in one way or another – especially if you can’t afford to have that special butler or household manager to assist you when you are next called upon to host a party or even royalty.
June 24, 2016
Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed reading this book. The material in it wasn't as helpful as I would have liked. For instance, I still don't know the proper way to eat spaghetti; do I cut it with a knife or twirl it against a spoon? But what I did like is that there's lots of short declarative sentences, bullet points, well organized, and occasionally stories about the history of traditions or tools. (So that's how to use a fish knife, and why it's deemed important to use it!)
It was a really relaxing book. It felt like all of the satisfaction of having a clean house without the work of actually cleaning it.
It was a really relaxing book. It felt like all of the satisfaction of having a clean house without the work of actually cleaning it.
November 27, 2018
Disappointing. This book is gorgeously designed and typeset and promised all sorts of delightful etiquette gems within. Except that it contained barely any substance about any topic at all. The author tries to briefly cover everything and ends up delivering nothing useful. There are no references or details and no way to really dig into the nitty-gritty of "etiquette". I just wanted something really dense and obscure to peruse but I should have known better than to expect it from this polished mainstream coffee table book.
April 4, 2019
I found this book quite interesting & useful! I especially loved the hitsory of household servants in the beginning! It had lots of step-by-step practical guides to cleaning, setting tables, etc. I would like to refer back to the creation of menus & table settings for my wedding in the future. For being a guide on managing households & etiquette (usually expected to be boring subjects) I found I quite enjoyed it! Great book!
December 19, 2016
I'm such an old-fashioned broad! I love reading about manners, traditions, and home keeping. It truly is a lost art that I intend to teach my children. This book has information about the history of where manners came from which I find really interesting.
October 20, 2013
A different take on entertaining and manners from the eyes of the butler!
December 27, 2017
Cool tips and tricks for proper etiquette. Delivered in a textbook sort of layout.
May 2, 2020
This was a really good read. Got lots of tips regarding entertaining, housekeeping and proper etiquette. A very easy to read book which I'm sure I will reference over and over again.
January 17, 2021
Great reference book! I enjoyed the historical chapters and the advice in the later chapters.
March 26, 2018
This book just caught my eye as I walked through the library. It looked interesting. It would be fun to learn about historical homes from a non-war perspective. I enjoyed the historical information more than the “how to” information. However, it would be nice if reference citations were included. There is no way the living author knew what was being thought during the Victorian or Edwardian eras when various etiquettes came to be. I assume this was obtained from his own reading but I’d like to know more about his sources. The how-to information was interesting and could be useful if you are looking for specific etiquette information on a wide variety of topics (e.g., formal table set up, stemware, silverware, table manners, the jobs of various house staff and how all of this varies by country).
February 15, 2024
Plenty of history, but essentially a host & custodian’s guide to keeping a home. When we first bought our current house, it was a nice place for ghosts to throw up— since moving in, Elise & I have been constantly devising new stratagems to keep the groaning manse habitable.
I found this book on a shelf and have been reading it during the last two months’ worth of lunch breaks in the hope of someday being “the shit in the shuttered chateau,” as Philip Larkin said.
I found this book on a shelf and have been reading it during the last two months’ worth of lunch breaks in the hope of someday being “the shit in the shuttered chateau,” as Philip Larkin said.
January 8, 2018
Not what I expected. A few good reminders on etiquette, entertaining, etc. this book is for someone who really is a butler!
November 26, 2016
I read an article in the Toronto Star this week in which Charles MacPherson was interviewed and answered some questions about the dos and don'ts of restaurant behavior. The article mentioned that he had written a book called The Butler Speaks and I thought it would be interesting (and it was).
The book has five parts:
1. The tradition of service - includes the history of the tradition of service along with a listing and hierarchy of jobs in an Edwardian household, staff greeting line, and proper conduct as per the French Jesuits in 1595
2. The butler speaks - includes the different types of butlers, how a butler should behave, how to shake hands, how and when to offer a business card, and the difference between high tea and afternoon tea
3. The etiquette of entertaining - includes how to host a dinner party, table settings, silver pieces and china, how to carve, where to put your napkin and cheese plates
4. Table manners for the 21st century - includes the 12 golden rule for dining as per Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825, dress codes, how to use a knife and fork, and how to eat hard-to-eat foods
5. The art of good housekeeping - includes how to make a bed, fold a shirt, polish silver, how to clean various rooms, how to make a bed, how to iron a shirt (don't put creases in the sleeves!) and which hangers to use
There are sections at the end with a glossary, food and wine pairings and a reading list.
I liked this book. In the first chapter, I learned about the hierarchy of the various jobs years ago (sounds like hard work!). There were lots of interesting tips in the other chapters. It sounds like the author knows his stuff.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/11...
The book has five parts:
1. The tradition of service - includes the history of the tradition of service along with a listing and hierarchy of jobs in an Edwardian household, staff greeting line, and proper conduct as per the French Jesuits in 1595
2. The butler speaks - includes the different types of butlers, how a butler should behave, how to shake hands, how and when to offer a business card, and the difference between high tea and afternoon tea
3. The etiquette of entertaining - includes how to host a dinner party, table settings, silver pieces and china, how to carve, where to put your napkin and cheese plates
4. Table manners for the 21st century - includes the 12 golden rule for dining as per Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825, dress codes, how to use a knife and fork, and how to eat hard-to-eat foods
5. The art of good housekeeping - includes how to make a bed, fold a shirt, polish silver, how to clean various rooms, how to make a bed, how to iron a shirt (don't put creases in the sleeves!) and which hangers to use
There are sections at the end with a glossary, food and wine pairings and a reading list.
I liked this book. In the first chapter, I learned about the hierarchy of the various jobs years ago (sounds like hard work!). There were lots of interesting tips in the other chapters. It sounds like the author knows his stuff.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/11...
November 17, 2019
Who was not interested with life of aristocracy? I think that was the reason for the success of Downton Abbey. I saw this displayed in the Staff Pick section and promptly picked it up along with my reserved items. I was mostly curious about etiquette that ordinary folks like me could learn in case an invitation might appear to mingle with royalty. The book showed how to iron (no creases on sleeves), clean house (top to bottom, clockwise) and make a bed (fitted sheet and two flat sheets plus blanket as well as a coverlet). I already am aware of crossing fork and knife to indicate a pause on a meal. The only new etiquette I picked up was not to mix wasabi in soy sauce. For those interested in sharpening wine pairing skills, there is a comprehensive list at the back of the book.
I misunderstood the premise of the book. I am sure there are more in depth coverage about butler service and this book only covers the basics. If, like me, you are looking to pick up etiquette that your non-aristocratic parents had not taught to you, this is not the book.
I misunderstood the premise of the book. I am sure there are more in depth coverage about butler service and this book only covers the basics. If, like me, you are looking to pick up etiquette that your non-aristocratic parents had not taught to you, this is not the book.
April 16, 2019
4.5 stars
Entertaining, etiquette and housekeeping tips from a renowned butler, who formerly served the British royal family among others. He also serves as the head butler at London's Savoy and is the founder of the only accredited butler school in North America. Reading this book kind of made me want to work as a butler!
I loved the Entertaining and Etiquette sections! Finally, a modern author that brings the old-fashioned ways to life, instead of just trying to change or discard them. I borrowed this from the library but want to own a personal copy for future reference. High praise from me!
The Housekeeping section was a bit overly fussy and unrealistic for me and my residential home. It isn't surprising housekeeping was my least favorite subject in the book, as it is one of my least favorite subjects in life. :-0
Entertaining, etiquette and housekeeping tips from a renowned butler, who formerly served the British royal family among others. He also serves as the head butler at London's Savoy and is the founder of the only accredited butler school in North America. Reading this book kind of made me want to work as a butler!
I loved the Entertaining and Etiquette sections! Finally, a modern author that brings the old-fashioned ways to life, instead of just trying to change or discard them. I borrowed this from the library but want to own a personal copy for future reference. High praise from me!
The Housekeeping section was a bit overly fussy and unrealistic for me and my residential home. It isn't surprising housekeeping was my least favorite subject in the book, as it is one of my least favorite subjects in life. :-0
June 20, 2021
Great book on one of my favorite topics. I appreciated the attention to detail (which, really, is what much of it is about) and the variety of practically useful knowledge included. This book includes everything from the difference in layout and measurements of American, English, and French table settings to laundry/ironing symbol charts to a history of service tradition. It's both practical and well written. Recommended.
February 3, 2022
You can't spend a more pleasant hour than with this book. Seriously its surprising, he offers in very well written prose, advice on practical housekeeping and good manners. I fell in love with this book. It is refined simplicity and yet comprehensive on the subject he speaks about. Also, it is light and well thought out. If you want a calm relaxed enjoyable book for any occasion may I recommend "The Butler Speaks" by Charles MacPherson.
April 5, 2024
I was surprised by how enjoyable and informative I found this book (The diagrams were lovely). While I’ve already forgotten how to cut a lamb roast in specific ways, there were a lot of practical pieces of advice for any household, even with our Millennial lifestyle of crying into our cup of instant ramen every night, as we eventually fall asleep at 2AM in front of the soft glow of the Chromecast’s slideshow illuminating our 500 sq ft studio apartments that we pay $1,000/mo for. But I digress. Incidentally, MacPherson spends a pretty significant chunk of the book discussing the history of domestic servitude and income inequality. I think I found that part the most fascinating, and its inclusion in the book surprised me in a good way.
May 28, 2024
Really appreciating the art of good housekeeping these days - how to fold fitted bed sheet, how to properly iron a shirt, how to set up the right caddies, etc. I’d love to follow the annual cleaning plan just to see how it goes. San Francisco has its own subculture of formalwear and courtesies, but following his suggestions will work just about anywhere. Also a good reminder to stop slouching! Did I love it, meh. But it was a fun, breezy read.
November 2, 2018
Chock full of etiquette tips and musts and must nots. Informative for sure, but not necessarily relevant in normal everyday life. For example, the way he describes how to clean and manage a home would probably put every single housewife to shame. Nevertheless, I believe this is a good resource for those starting out in the hospitality industry.
November 6, 2019
Book was ok, but nothing special. The early chapters about the history of domestic help were interesting. The rest was a straightforward guide to housework, setting out information most experienced women would already know. I was expecting some entertaining tales of his experiences as a butler, but that's not what the book was about.
January 9, 2021
Interesting and Informative
If you desire to: Manage a home well, whether your own or your employers, know how to properly conduct yourself in most any situation; entertain friends and family in a way that will make them feel welcome and comfortable; or be of competent service to those around you, then look know further than this book!
If you desire to: Manage a home well, whether your own or your employers, know how to properly conduct yourself in most any situation; entertain friends and family in a way that will make them feel welcome and comfortable; or be of competent service to those around you, then look know further than this book!
June 23, 2024
Who knew there was a school for butlers in Canada? Not me! How marvelous.
This book is part history lesson, part housekeeping guide, and all charm. Did you ever want to know about the structure of the servants hierarchies in a Victorian home? How best to clean a bathroom? What all those little forks at fancy place settings are? Then this charming guide will help!
I found this lots of fun.
This book is part history lesson, part housekeeping guide, and all charm. Did you ever want to know about the structure of the servants hierarchies in a Victorian home? How best to clean a bathroom? What all those little forks at fancy place settings are? Then this charming guide will help!
I found this lots of fun.
August 8, 2024
Quick and easy read. Worth it to ensure you do not make glaring faux pas in the world, like chewing with your mouth open (too many of my first dates did this… and never became second dates). Also teaches you housekeeping, in the sense of how to clean, iron, fold, etc.. around the house. I wish I’d read it before moving out of my parents’ house.
June 6, 2025
Absolutely delightful read. Well-written and friendly, makes it easy to enjoy the somewhat mundane or potentially boring topic. Loved getting a little bit of history/tradition and then all the practical step-by-steps. Even if I never get to use most of the hosting stuff, I'll much enjoy trying to maintain proper etiquette.
March 25, 2024
This was an interesting book on the history of household management, but it wasn't really what I was expecting. Still interesting, but I dont think most of the book was practical for the average person.
September 27, 2017
Delightful.
January 20, 2019
Helpful and interesting
What an interesting book. Full of wonderful tips, and history. I wish it had been longer. I would love to have a butler, even for only a few days.
What an interesting book. Full of wonderful tips, and history. I wish it had been longer. I would love to have a butler, even for only a few days.
February 2, 2020
Beautiful format and presentation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews