Advice geared to contemporary living on correct behavior in a wide variety of situations.

An “extremely funny” take on the decline of civility, from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of How the Hell Did This Happen? (The Plain Dealer). In Modern Manners, cultural guru P. J. O’Rourke provides the essential accessory for the truly contemporary man or woman—a rulebook for living in a world without rules. Traditionally, good manners were a means of becoming as bland and invisible as everyone else, thus avoiding calling attention to one’s own awkwardness and stupidity. Today, with everyone wanting to appear special, stupidity is at a premium, and manners—as outrageous and bizarre as possible—are a wonderful way to distinguish ourselves, or at least have a fine time trying. This irreverent and hilarious guide to anti-etiquette offers pointed advice on topics from sex and entertaining to reading habits and death. With the most up-to-date forms of vulgarity, churlishness, and presumption, the latest fashions in discourtesy and barbarous display, O’Rourke is our guide to the art of incivility. “Modern Manners is O’Rourke doing what he has always done: making hilarious, insightful, often vicious fun of the world and all its inhabitants.” —People “A reader who rushes through [Modern Manners] from cover to cover—like I did—will feel like a child who has gorged on chocolate cake: happy, but a bit disappointed that it’s all gone. The reason O’Rourke’s book is so successful, however, is not just his great sense of humor. O’Rourke’s writing has a cutting edge behind it, which makes a reader’s laughter just a bit thought-provoking, and just a bit rueful . . . Very funny.” —Chicago Tribune

An ultimate guide to real-world manners by a respected etiquette coach incorporates guidelines that address the unique needs of today's world, including privacy, personal interaction with diverse cultures and using electronic devices during meals.

Completely revised and updated with a focus on civility and inclusion, the 19th edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette is the most trusted resource for navigating life’s every situation From social networking to social graces, Emily Post is the definitive source on etiquette for generations of Americans. That tradition continues with the fully revised and updated 19th edition of Etiquette. Authored by etiquette experts Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning—Emily Post’s great-great grandchildren—this edition tackles classic etiquette and manners advice with an eye toward diversity and the contemporary sensibility that etiquette is defined by consideration, respect, and honesty. As our personal and professional networks grow, our lives become more intertwined. This 19th edition offers insight and wisdom with a fresh approach that directly reflects today’s social landscape. Emily Post’s Etiquette incorporates an even broader spectrum of issues while still addressing the traditions that Americans appreciate, including: Weddings Invitations Loss, grieving, and condolences Entertaining at home and planning celebrations Table manners Greetings and introductions Social media and personal branding Political conversations Living with neighbors Digital networking and job seeking The workplace Sports, gaming, and recreation Emily Post’s Etiquette also includes advice on names and titles—including Mx.—dress codes, invitations and gift-giving, thank-you notes and common courtesies, tipping and dining out, dating, and life milestones. It is the ultimate guide for anyone concerned with civility, inclusion, and kindness. Though times change, the principles of good etiquette remain the same. Above all, manners are a sensitive awareness of the needs of others—sincerity and good intentions always matter more than knowing which fork to use. The Emily Post Institute, Inc., is one of America’s most unique family businesses. In addition to authoring books, the Institute provides business etiquette seminars and e-learning courses worldwide, hosts the weekly Q&A podcast Awesome Etiquette and trains those interested in teaching Emily Post Etiquette.