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Just Good Manners: A Quintessential Guide to Courtesy, Charm, Grace and Decorum
What is the correct way to queue at the bar? And why exactly do the English say sorry so much?
No one makes such a fuss about manners quite as much as the UK, yet in a fast-changing world, no one can seem to agree on precisely what the ‘done thing’ is, either. William Hanson, world-leading etiquette expert is on a mission to reclaim the British crown of good manners. In Just Good Manners, he shares his definitive guidance on how to behave in every situation - as well as celebrating our country’s distinctively British way of doing things!
With the perfect dose of William’s inimitable dry humour, Just Good Manners is the indispensable modern guide to British etiquette and customs – from table manners to top hats.
No one makes such a fuss about manners quite as much as the UK, yet in a fast-changing world, no one can seem to agree on precisely what the ‘done thing’ is, either. William Hanson, world-leading etiquette expert is on a mission to reclaim the British crown of good manners. In Just Good Manners, he shares his definitive guidance on how to behave in every situation - as well as celebrating our country’s distinctively British way of doing things!
With the perfect dose of William’s inimitable dry humour, Just Good Manners is the indispensable modern guide to British etiquette and customs – from table manners to top hats.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2024
364 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
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February 3, 2025ARC for review. To be published May 27, 2025.
DNF at 17%, no rating.
The book is marketed as “funny,” but with as much as I read I didn’t find it that humorous. I’ve always loved etiquette books and would read Miss Manners or Emily Post straight through, like a novel. I don’t know who this guy is to take on that mantel but I was willing to given him a try.
Since the book wasn’t particularly funny it was mostly just information I had read previously, actually dumbed down from some of the specifics of the old days. I’m sure it’s a perfectly fine book of the rules so if that’s what you are looking for it will probably work fine.
DNF at 17%, no rating.
The book is marketed as “funny,” but with as much as I read I didn’t find it that humorous. I’ve always loved etiquette books and would read Miss Manners or Emily Post straight through, like a novel. I don’t know who this guy is to take on that mantel but I was willing to given him a try.
Since the book wasn’t particularly funny it was mostly just information I had read previously, actually dumbed down from some of the specifics of the old days. I’m sure it’s a perfectly fine book of the rules so if that’s what you are looking for it will probably work fine.
October 19, 2024
It's good fun, doesn't take itself too seriously. A little too much emphasis on the British though. Other than that it has good fundamental principles that everyone can follow - be considerate of others, be polite but direct, if you say or do something, take a stand and go with your decision, no need to prostrate yourself under a mountain of apologies. Most importantly, though, say please and thank you!
September 12, 2024
Happily listened to the audio book on a long drive today, mentally taking notes of Williams tips and coaching. A good dose of humour placed perfectly in genuinely interesting topics even if you don’t think it’s for you.
July 8, 2025
Despite its polished tone, "Just Good Manners" feels more like a smug lecture than a helpful guide. Hanson's approach often borders on elitist, prioritizing outdated social codes. Instead of inspiring better behavior, the book reads like a manual for performative etiquette that’s out of touch with modern sensibilities.
November 29, 2024
Do I need to know 80% of the stuff in this book. No. Did I enjoy listening to it. Absolutely.
January 8, 2025
Absolutely tip top advice on modern manners!
July 10, 2025
Big fan of the “Sexted my Boss” podcast and basically everything Mr. Hanson does, so this little number was no exception. A good dose of humor accompanied with a bit of America-bashing, what’s not to love?
June 7, 2025
Snobbery and sycophancy for the hard of thinking.
I put a review for this steaming pile of snobbery on Amazon but, for some reason, it's disappeared.
This is a book that tells us the Royal family are superior to us lesser mortals because they know which spoon to use. Anyone who owns a square plate is morally inferior. The most disgusting people on the planet are those who own hot tubs.
I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but this opinion is so antiquated it does not belong in the 21st century.
My advice would be to avoid this book like you would avoid the less reputable members of the royal family.
I put a review for this steaming pile of snobbery on Amazon but, for some reason, it's disappeared.
This is a book that tells us the Royal family are superior to us lesser mortals because they know which spoon to use. Anyone who owns a square plate is morally inferior. The most disgusting people on the planet are those who own hot tubs.
I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but this opinion is so antiquated it does not belong in the 21st century.
My advice would be to avoid this book like you would avoid the less reputable members of the royal family.
September 2, 2025
A perfect book about the etiquette of Britain. It dives into both the quirky and completely sensible social rules of society. A brilliant read, including both comedy and informative statements. Would highly recommend to those wanting to pass some time, as well as staying educated on both current and past norms of life.
October 2, 2025
Interesting look at British etiquette compared to America. He has that mild British humor. I did learn that one should send a thank you letter after attending a wedding. I’d never known or thought about doing that and realize now that I’ve attended weddings that we were honored to attend and should have thanked them.
That was worth the time it took to read this to the end.
That was worth the time it took to read this to the end.
May 3, 2025
Despite knowing William’s character from his part on Help I Sexted My Boss, I still had my reservations about this book thinking, incorrectly, it would be quite stuffy.
However I was glad to be proven wrong. This book was equal parts informative, fun and full of trademark Hanson wit!
However I was glad to be proven wrong. This book was equal parts informative, fun and full of trademark Hanson wit!
December 13, 2024
Finished the Audio book today. I'd like to think I've learnt some new rules about etiquette I doubt any of them will come into action. Apart from no clinking. It's common
April 10, 2025
2.5 stars but it won’t let me do half starts
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July 25, 2025I follow the author on social media and he always makes etiquette so interesting (and even humorous). Definitely recommend his book and am considering buying my own copy (even though I don't plan on hosting a candelit dinner anytime soon).
August 6, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this one, you might know Hanson from the many YouTube shorts on manners and etiquette; listening this on audible is a breeze; now and then you'll find yourself with a wide smile on your face when he spurts out one of these typical understated britishisms; 'it was as useful as an ejection seat on a helicopter'-type of remarks. And Hanson rightfully points out that the Brits have utterly perfected the passive-aggressive way of communicating.
May 1, 2025
light-hearted fun
July 8, 2025
I can say, with great confidence, that I have ceased to be an uneducated oaf and become, thanks to this book, an educated one.
September 14, 2025
hilarious. i came from youtube shorts so i was here for the humor but the etiquette tips were pretty useful too
September 18, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!! It was hard to put down!
October 19, 2025
Entertainingly written and very British!
November 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this comprehensive guide to social decorum in modern UK society. Hanson is an arch and witty commentator on the etiquette he both explains and, to some extent, critiques, although, ultimately, he convincingly illustrates that etiquette largely boils down to good manners and consideration for others. There are countless amusing anecdotes to make the book a highly entertaining read, written in a uniquely idiosyncratic tone.
December 9, 2025
I started reading this book mainly out of curiosity, and because I enjoy William Hanson's wit. What I did not expect was to learn so much about the history and culture of my own nation through the manners and customs we are taught here. A genuinely fascinating read, this book will have you listening intently on how to handle all manner of situations, concerning everything from cutlery to letter writing to pronouns.
I do not consider myself a snob at all but Hansen is right in saying that etiquette can be a very useful way to codify handling the social situations that life throws at us all. While everything is obviously situational (I will continue to scoop peas onto my fork in my own house, sorry William), it is particularly useful to bear these tips in mind should you find yourself in particular social circles or business environments.
Well worth a read, even if you think it's all a bit silly.
I do not consider myself a snob at all but Hansen is right in saying that etiquette can be a very useful way to codify handling the social situations that life throws at us all. While everything is obviously situational (I will continue to scoop peas onto my fork in my own house, sorry William), it is particularly useful to bear these tips in mind should you find yourself in particular social circles or business environments.
Well worth a read, even if you think it's all a bit silly.
September 17, 2024
Some of this was entertaining and Hanson writes well, but there was too much about table settings, and far too much about the royal family. Don’t most of us know that manners basically amounts to thinking of others rather than ourselves, putting our guests at ease, etc? I was taught this from a very early age, and try to practise it. Perhaps I don’t move in the elevated circles he has in mind? Something of a disappointment.
February 14, 2025
Almost gave up on this. Too much stuff about napkins and nobles, not enough about being considerate of other people which is what I though manners were all about. A shame as there are tidbits of good advice in here.
March 2, 2025
Книга про британський етикет або 47 способів сказати "перепрошую"
матиму тепер ідеальні виправдання, чому не ходжу в гості
дуже рекомендую!
матиму тепер ідеальні виправдання, чому не ходжу в гості
дуже рекомендую!
June 1, 2025
Review: Just Good Manners by William Hanson
Just Good Manners is a charming and sharply observed guide to etiquette, filled with Mr. Hanson’s trademark barbed elegance. If you delight in knowing precisely which fork to use or how to address a duke without sounding like a rube, this is your book. Snobbery? Certainly. National pride? Without apology. And quite rightly so—it’s all part of the theatre.
Yet beneath the crisp collar and polished shoes is a heart surprisingly warm. Hanson advocates kindness, grace, and social ease—not merely performance but genuine consideration. His moral compass is strong, and his advice is as much about making others feel comfortable as it is about knowing your fish knife from your fruit fork.
That said, a few caveats must be raised:
Royal Worship: The deference shown to the Royal Family borders on the theatrical. For all his discouragement of celebrity voyeurism, Hanson leans heavily into reverence. One minute he’s instructing us on how to split a restaurant bill; the next, he’s genuflecting before The Firm. It feels inconsistent—and blind to the real political and economic privileges of the royals.
Politeness, Misread: Hanson sometimes presents British politeness as mere deference to hierarchy. In truth, it was born of necessity—a democratic balm after civil war, a tool to live side by side with former enemies. Politeness is not submission; it’s social glue. And when evasion fails, the English can be blisteringly direct—Dr. Johnson would be appalled to hear otherwise.
Class ≠ Wealth: One needn’t own a silver salver or employ butlers to be well-mannered. Hanson knows this—but the focus on elite households may mislead. The rest of us rely on civility to survive daily life. In places like hospitals, shelters, or care homes, manners aren’t decorative—they’re vital.
Multicultural Etiquette: Finally, while steeped in British codes, the book gives short shrift to the globalised world we now inhabit. Etiquette is not a fixed script—it adapts. Respecting the customs of others, especially as guests, is the very definition of good manners.
Still, these criticisms aside, Just Good Manners remains the most enjoyable and entertaining etiquette manual in print. Hanson makes the rules sparkle, even as he bends them. A necessary addition to every civilised bookshelf.
Bravo, Mr. Hanson.
Just Good Manners is a charming and sharply observed guide to etiquette, filled with Mr. Hanson’s trademark barbed elegance. If you delight in knowing precisely which fork to use or how to address a duke without sounding like a rube, this is your book. Snobbery? Certainly. National pride? Without apology. And quite rightly so—it’s all part of the theatre.
Yet beneath the crisp collar and polished shoes is a heart surprisingly warm. Hanson advocates kindness, grace, and social ease—not merely performance but genuine consideration. His moral compass is strong, and his advice is as much about making others feel comfortable as it is about knowing your fish knife from your fruit fork.
That said, a few caveats must be raised:
Royal Worship: The deference shown to the Royal Family borders on the theatrical. For all his discouragement of celebrity voyeurism, Hanson leans heavily into reverence. One minute he’s instructing us on how to split a restaurant bill; the next, he’s genuflecting before The Firm. It feels inconsistent—and blind to the real political and economic privileges of the royals.
Politeness, Misread: Hanson sometimes presents British politeness as mere deference to hierarchy. In truth, it was born of necessity—a democratic balm after civil war, a tool to live side by side with former enemies. Politeness is not submission; it’s social glue. And when evasion fails, the English can be blisteringly direct—Dr. Johnson would be appalled to hear otherwise.
Class ≠ Wealth: One needn’t own a silver salver or employ butlers to be well-mannered. Hanson knows this—but the focus on elite households may mislead. The rest of us rely on civility to survive daily life. In places like hospitals, shelters, or care homes, manners aren’t decorative—they’re vital.
Multicultural Etiquette: Finally, while steeped in British codes, the book gives short shrift to the globalised world we now inhabit. Etiquette is not a fixed script—it adapts. Respecting the customs of others, especially as guests, is the very definition of good manners.
Still, these criticisms aside, Just Good Manners remains the most enjoyable and entertaining etiquette manual in print. Hanson makes the rules sparkle, even as he bends them. A necessary addition to every civilised bookshelf.
Bravo, Mr. Hanson.
March 4, 2025
I’ve been dipping in and out of this since Christmas so some of my memories are hazy, but overall I enjoyed it very much. Mr Hanson (or ‘William’, if I may?) has nailed his persona and as long as you can differentiate between the directive and what’s said very tongue-in-cheek, you’ll hopefully enjoy it too.
Little store seems to be set by manners these days, but they’re a huge part of the classic ‘Britishness’ the wider world perceives, rightly or wrongly. From how we queue to how we sit down to a meal; the unwritten codes of decorum are deep in our national psyche. And William explores these, distils them, and places them in their historical context.
Some of the sections (e.g. on different types of formal attire) are interesting but a bit distant, others, such as the requisite manners of the houseguest, are sections I wish every visitor to my home would read. One section which grated slightly was the section on wedding etiquette, and while William acknowledges that sometimes the bride and groom may wish to pay for the event, there persists the advice to write to the bride’s family to thank them etc etc, all of which felt a bit out of touch. Ditto how to address married heterosexuals – and yet, he encourages sensitive enquiry as to the honorific preferences of divorcees. Please extend married women the same courtesy, Mr Hanson. We’re not all ‘Mrs Him’. That said, he writes compellingly and progressively on pronouns with no nonsense and no fear of alienation, on which I commend him.
Overall a light and entertaining read that many would do well to study.
Little store seems to be set by manners these days, but they’re a huge part of the classic ‘Britishness’ the wider world perceives, rightly or wrongly. From how we queue to how we sit down to a meal; the unwritten codes of decorum are deep in our national psyche. And William explores these, distils them, and places them in their historical context.
Some of the sections (e.g. on different types of formal attire) are interesting but a bit distant, others, such as the requisite manners of the houseguest, are sections I wish every visitor to my home would read. One section which grated slightly was the section on wedding etiquette, and while William acknowledges that sometimes the bride and groom may wish to pay for the event, there persists the advice to write to the bride’s family to thank them etc etc, all of which felt a bit out of touch. Ditto how to address married heterosexuals – and yet, he encourages sensitive enquiry as to the honorific preferences of divorcees. Please extend married women the same courtesy, Mr Hanson. We’re not all ‘Mrs Him’. That said, he writes compellingly and progressively on pronouns with no nonsense and no fear of alienation, on which I commend him.
Overall a light and entertaining read that many would do well to study.
September 10, 2025
Not usually something I'd spend time reading, but I do enjoy Billy-boy's social media content so I took the punt with the book...
...and it's very much more of the same. Lots of info here, and some nuggets of interest on how some of these etiquette principles, behaviours and practices have come about through history. Yes, Britain is an odd place, we know that. William does a good job of painting that picture alongside some tongue-in-cheek commentary which will no doubt raise a few laughs, particularly amongst non-Brits.
The problem I have is that I didn't really feel I learnt that much more from the book, and will probably not be revisiting. It's not a manual, per se, but equally, the layout was quite difficult to work with making it hard to look up particular points of interest (although, there is a decent index). Likewise, the book is large swathes of sometimes overly U-sounding prose. A bit like the author himself speaks (and in fact, you can almost imagine him saying a lot of it). Not that it's a bad thing, but again, I think it detracts from the readability aspect.
Overall, not bad, and interesting if you are very much into this sort of thing. However, for me, it didn't quite hit the mark. I'm still following him on Insta though... and practicing with those peas! :)
...and it's very much more of the same. Lots of info here, and some nuggets of interest on how some of these etiquette principles, behaviours and practices have come about through history. Yes, Britain is an odd place, we know that. William does a good job of painting that picture alongside some tongue-in-cheek commentary which will no doubt raise a few laughs, particularly amongst non-Brits.
The problem I have is that I didn't really feel I learnt that much more from the book, and will probably not be revisiting. It's not a manual, per se, but equally, the layout was quite difficult to work with making it hard to look up particular points of interest (although, there is a decent index). Likewise, the book is large swathes of sometimes overly U-sounding prose. A bit like the author himself speaks (and in fact, you can almost imagine him saying a lot of it). Not that it's a bad thing, but again, I think it detracts from the readability aspect.
Overall, not bad, and interesting if you are very much into this sort of thing. However, for me, it didn't quite hit the mark. I'm still following him on Insta though... and practicing with those peas! :)
December 23, 2025
When I spot a book about manners on the new book shelf at the library, it is almost a certainty that I will take it home and read it. Since I was a youth, whether in book form or news columns, I’ve loved reading Miss Manners and Emily Post. So, spotting Just Good Manners plus seeing the focus was on British manners and etiquette? YES PLEASE!
William Hanson did a beautiful job of sharing information about the history of British etiquette and manners while offering modern-day guidance to avoid any faux pas. Early in the book, Hanson shares the difference between manners and etiquette: “Manners are the guiding principles of putting people at their ease, of not embarrassing others, and of generally putting yourself second. Good manners are selfless, not selfish. … Etiquette, on the other hand, is a set of rules by which a society lives. How you become well-mannered is (nine times out of ten) by following the rules of etiquette.”
While there were definite jabs at the undisciplined Americans, this was an enjoyable read and a terrific refresher on “courtesy, charm, grace, and decorum.”
William Hanson did a beautiful job of sharing information about the history of British etiquette and manners while offering modern-day guidance to avoid any faux pas. Early in the book, Hanson shares the difference between manners and etiquette: “Manners are the guiding principles of putting people at their ease, of not embarrassing others, and of generally putting yourself second. Good manners are selfless, not selfish. … Etiquette, on the other hand, is a set of rules by which a society lives. How you become well-mannered is (nine times out of ten) by following the rules of etiquette.”
While there were definite jabs at the undisciplined Americans, this was an enjoyable read and a terrific refresher on “courtesy, charm, grace, and decorum.”
March 24, 2025
4.5 stars
Insta @thedadbookclub
Well where can I start with my review? I suppose the best way to describe this book is a breath of fresh air. If you don’t know who William Hanson is, and I can’t fathom how you don’t, let me tell you: he is the UKs leading etiquette expert. He also co presents the award winning podcast ‘Help I Sexted My Boss’ with Jordan North (I am a G&Diva, if you’re not please take some time out of your day to listen to the podcast, you won’t regret it!)
Anyway, back to the book. I loved it! William manages to make what I would consider a minefield in etiquette, an easy going and at times comical guide to good manners. Did you know, for example, that salt and pepper travel together?
It’s well written and insightful, I really hope that it is well received and successful in America (out 27 May). I think what I love most about this book is that William is able to put across his own personality and I believe he is personally trying to help any reader of the book who needs a helping hand with etiquette.
Insta @thedadbookclub
Well where can I start with my review? I suppose the best way to describe this book is a breath of fresh air. If you don’t know who William Hanson is, and I can’t fathom how you don’t, let me tell you: he is the UKs leading etiquette expert. He also co presents the award winning podcast ‘Help I Sexted My Boss’ with Jordan North (I am a G&Diva, if you’re not please take some time out of your day to listen to the podcast, you won’t regret it!)
Anyway, back to the book. I loved it! William manages to make what I would consider a minefield in etiquette, an easy going and at times comical guide to good manners. Did you know, for example, that salt and pepper travel together?
It’s well written and insightful, I really hope that it is well received and successful in America (out 27 May). I think what I love most about this book is that William is able to put across his own personality and I believe he is personally trying to help any reader of the book who needs a helping hand with etiquette.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews