Just Good Manners: A Quintessential Guide to Courtesy, Charm, Grace, and Decorum

by William Hanson

From William Hanson, the beloved social media star and etiquette authority, comes the quintessential guide to courtesy, charm, grace, and decorum.

What is the correct way to get out of dreaded small talk? How do you end an email in way that is both polite and firm? How do you set a table fit for a king, or better yet, Martha Stewart? Don’t worry, William Hanson—“Emily Post for the TikTok generation” (Vanity Fair)—is here to make us practically perfect in every way.

In the “funny and unapologetic” (Robert Hardman, author of Charles III) Just Good Manners, he shares his definitive advice on how to behave in every situation, from a night dining out with friends to Netflix at home, as well as celebrates the deep kindness, empathy, and joy that come with good manners. As Hanson makes clear, to care for others is truly about caring and respecting oneself.

With the perfect dose of Hanson’s inimitable dry humor, Just Good Manners is “a must for anyone who aspires to polish up their manners” (Anne Glenconner, New York Times bestselling author).

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Reference, Humor, British Literature, Relationships

272 pages, Hardcover

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Erin]

ARC 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.

[Markus · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Scott Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Zoe Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I need to know 80% of the stuff in this book. No. Did I enjoy listening to it. Absolutely.

[Katy Chessum-Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely tip top advice on modern manners!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Anne Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Ashley Lister · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Zach Rolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Archie Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Mrs Nina Macfie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile]

I 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).

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Holly Heath · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars but it won’t let me do half starts

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

William’s command of the English language is second to none and probably my favorite part of the book- even more than the interesting content. This was something I anticipated. I was delighted to see Willam’s usual witty repartée over-pronounced and SO beautifully obnoxious in the best possible way. The way he explains things leaves anyone feeling humored about a rather dry subject. Whoever selects this book either wishes to learn more about proper manners, knows what sort of fussy shenanigans William Hanson gets up to, is a G and Diva, or a combination of the three. Throughout, I found myself cracking up at how William articulates his subtle opinions through his snide, passive aggressive, yet ever-so-proper and British way. It’s what he’s known for and it’s why we chose to read this over something more serious and perhaps even boring.
Word nerds will find themselves rereading this guide just to highlight every neologism they encounter and even the most particular of etiquette hall monitors will find this guide to be of practical use. I was left with a few differing opinions and questions on some topics, but the overall general ideas were quite useful and explained to my entertainment.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Kliesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming book that I never would have read if not for my fondness for the writer. Some things were useful. Others made me grateful I wasn't born on that little island, so full of rules and disingenuousness.

[Daleene · Rating 4 out of 5]

light-hearted fun

[LordOfNevermore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can say, with great confidence, that I have ceased to be an uneducated oaf and become, thanks to this book, an educated one.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious. i came from youtube shorts so i was here for the humor but the etiquette tips were pretty useful too

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!! It was hard to put down!

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertainingly written and very British!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Scott Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never thought I'd read an etiquette book but here we are

[Hayden Tomlins · Rating 3 out of 5]

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! :)

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Francis Warrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Bryan Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

As etiquette books go, Just Good Manners is pleasant enough company for a long car ride: mildly entertaining, modestly informative, and possibly comedy gold for British listeners. It reads like an academic replication study—nothing new, but reassuringly consistent.

[Andrew Balyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книга про британський етикет або 47 способів сказати "перепрошую"

матиму тепер ідеальні виправдання, чому не ходжу в гості

дуже рекомендую!