How to Behave: A Pocket Manual of Etiquette and Correct Personal Habits

by Samuel Roberts Wells

Although some of the social conventions that etiquette expert Samuel R. Wells addressed in the original 1887 version of How to Behave: A Pocket Manual of Etiquette and Correct Personal Habits have gone out of fashion, most of the basic instructions contained in this comprehensive volume remain relevant even today. Common courtesy, decorum, and decency never go out of style! A must-read for etiquette buffs, or for anyone whose social graces could use a little polish.

Genres: Nonfiction, Classics, Personal Development, Self Help

ebook

First published January 1, 1887

Reviews

[Mariann Fourny · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as I could find out this was written in 1872 by an American. For an etiquette book from this period it was easy and nicely written. Being a “pocket guide” it was a lot shorter than other books on the subject from the period. And I hugely appreciated that. If you removed every word on fashion I would say this book could still be relevant today. Or I wish it would..

[Tech Nossomy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book on etiquette from 1887 written for an american audience. Most of the recommendations still hold true today, but the writing style is excessively polite and genteel. No illustrations.
Some of the suggestions are from Lord Chesterfield, introduced as the "most polished man in England", and give the appearance of moralising self-help.

Available on Project Gutenberg.

[Mingina · Rating 3 out of 5]

mainly aimed at europeans from the past but it had some good things in it.

[Luana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gloriously bizarre and disjointed

[Alan DSouza · Rating 3 out of 5]

A treasure trove of knowledge about the old world etiquette.