The Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette

Bluffer's Guide to ...

by William Hanson

Instantly acquire all the knowledge you need to pass as an expert in the world of etiquette and high society. Know what to say, what not to say, where to be seen, and what and what not to wear. Never again be found wanting when asked if someone is PLU or NQOCD, why port should be passed to the left, or how many air kisses you should aim at the proffered cheek of someone you barely know. Arm yourself with the essential words or phrases which have entered the etiquette lexicon from pre-revolutionary France, and know not to mix up your droit de seigneur with your noblesse oblige. Bask in the admiration of your aristocratic hosts as you enquire politely about the place a table, pronounce confidently on whether the going is heavy or soft, and hold your own against the most sneering of posturing parvenus.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Humor, Self Help

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2014

Reviews

[Monika Radclyffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short enough to read it on a 3 hour train journey, some really useful tips and most of all - it is hilarious! You'll be laughing your head off :)

[Jood · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a mildly amusing book on the Dos and Don'ts of the UC - Upper Classes to you and me - and how to worm your way in to the upper echelons of society. Having been involved (in a "downstairs" capacity, I hasten to add) in the daily lives of an UC family I can vouch for much of what the author states. This book clearly debunks the notion that the class system doesn't exist - it absolutely does and is stuffed full of snobbery, from the correct vocabulary to the attire necessary for any given occasion, often with little bits of social history to further explain the reason behind certain rituals. All the information you need is contained in this short book - it took only a day to read. Unfortunately I found the author took his subject just a little too seriously, and forgot that this is a Bluffer's Guide, and not an instruction manual; although he makes one or two jibes it was lacking the fun I'd hoped for.

I was sent a free Kindle download by the publisher, specifically to read and review; this has in no way affected my opinion.

[Marvee Khalid · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never knew people could pay to read shit like that.

[What Is Chelle Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this little gem of book you will learn the basics to bluff yourself amongst the upper classes, whatever the occasion. You will learn the do’s and don’ts of weddings, funerals, dinner parties and social media with none other than the UK’s leading etiquette expert, William Hanson, while giving us a giggle along the way.

Now, as everyone may have learned already I adore William Hanson, and perhaps this is very bad etiquette to divulge this but I’m more common than dirt so who am I kidding!? All the way whilst reading Bluffer’s Guide to Etiquette I heard William’s voice, as if he were dictating this to me all the way through and can detect the humour in his writing as he mentions Americans, politicians and “air-butterers”. I have seen mixed reviews online about this guidebook and frankly anyone voting less than 4 stars are to be disregarded. The judgement given on some of the things written is completely unjust as they do not know the author’s personality - I have never been given the absolute honour and “fan-girl” moment to meet Mr Hanson but after watching him on television, YouTube, TikTok and of course the fabulous podcast Help! I Sexted My Boss, I feel I know him well enough to know whether something is said in earnest or if it is said in jest - believe me when I say that despite being an etiquette expert and how that can be perceived to some as an ‘uppity’ job for someone to have, no one blowing their own trumpet would co-host a podcast called Help! I Sexted My Boss and listen to woes of catching your flatmate having relations with a melon unless he had a sense of humour. Oh, and drunk William Hanson is one of the funniest moments to see.

Not only does the author teach us some very valuable lessons, not just for dinner parties with the upper classes but also at occasions we will all be a part of at one time or another, i.e. weddings, funerals, job interviews, but giving us a giggle along the way only made this book enjoyable. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, and it may be a lovely little gift to those you believe need to improve their social behaviour… it may just be a little nudge in the right direction!

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now Mr William Hanson has written the Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette, how will we ever know who is or who isn’t in the upper echelons of society? An entertaining book; amusingly it gave me a modicum of pleasure to realise not all of my actions are faux pas.

[Susan T. Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could see Mr. Hanson's rolling of eyes and arching of eyebrow on every page of this engaging guide to etiquette. I follow him on Twitter and You Tube - he's awfully amusing but also spot on with his advice.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most educational books I read in a long time. Thank you Mr Hanson! I'm looking forward to a part 2 already.

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first discovered this author when I heard him on the radio. I thought what he was talking about quite interesting, so when I realised he’d written a book in the subject I had to have it. I guess I should say here I’m quite common and most definitely not looking to move myself upwards. I wanted to read this to try and understand posh people and their different ways. So I thought this book was supposed to be serious… and although it is incredibly snobby, it is also very tongue in cheek. Which just left me confused really. A bit like Ladybirds for Adults but with purpose? I’m still glad I read it though.

There are some little gems of quotes in the book though, here’s my pick of them

P40
"The world was my oyster but I used the wrong fork.' - Oscar Wilde

P62
"Twitter makes you like people you've never met. Facebook makes you hate those you've known all your life'
Anon

P74
Art critic and broadcaster Brian Sewell, in a debate with a pro-public breastfeeding campaigner, unwittingly illustrated the depth of ignorance on the subject when he was reported to have said: 'Madam! How would you like it if I got my d**k out in the National Gallery?" No doubt he was unaware that breasts aren't genitals.

[Georgia McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think those who don't rate this book too highly probably haven't come across William Hanson before and don't realise that a lot of things should be taken with a pitch of salt (which should then be neatly placed on the edge of your plate!)

This bluffers guide is filled with a lot of great advice as well as a brief look into the origins of many ways of 'etiquette', which are really interesting. That being said, it's not written to be taken too seriously and William does a great job of keeping things amusing as well as educational.

[Sean McGurr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with my first book in the Bluffer's series (Rock Music), but I enjoyed this one and I think the reason why is my lack of knowledge around this topic. With Rock, the humor didn't come off quite right, but it works here as the author, with an obvious passion for his topic, is still able to poke fun and it and the people who want to practice proper etiquette to climb the social ladder in England.

[Rocky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't get why the book is called "the bluffer's guide" as there is literally nothing that one could call bluffing. I was expecting more sophisticated sense of humour. I found maybe two jokes that made me laugh.
Plus, the Czech translation is extremely bad - inconsistent in respecting the original. The literal translations only make sense in English speaking parts of the world.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

[O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hillarious

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tongue-in-cheek guide to blending with the upper English classes is both humorous and interesting. The book is part of a series that is the UK version of the American Dummies' and Idiot's Guides books. As an American who has spent some time in the UK, this book did clear up some things for me. I also found it interesting that some of the pronunciations are more American than I would have expected. Reading the book, I find I am probably hopeless, and will never be a convincing suck-up to the nobility. However, should I ever be in the position of attending an event with them, I now feel that I should at least not make a complete fool of myself.

The book covers everything from casual conversation to dining to clothing for both men and women. The author is an etiquette expert, and he has an excellent sense of humor about the role that etiquette and proper manners play in fitting in with a given class.

I received this book through a LibraryThing giveaway.

[Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those who are interested in learning etiquette. William teaches that etiquette is about having good manners and not being a snob. We would have a more polite society if people were taught the basics from childhood, for those who haven’t, this is a great start. Lastly, the book is also filled with humour that will keep you laughing.

[Patriciagoodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very amusing!

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but restricted to a particular society - should have had section or two of more general guidance..

[Lord Kieran J D Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

A really interesting read and anyone interested in proper British etiquette should give this a read. Learn how to act in all social situations.

[Abrar Fadel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Not to forget to mention hilarious and very informative.