Authoritative, practical and easy-to-use, The Random House Book of Etiquette enables the entire family to keep up with the changing demands of today's social usage by following commonsense suggestions based on consideration, courtesy, and respect for others - not on antiquated, stuffy "rules." (from the introduction)

{HISTORY}

First published in 1956, The Random House Book of Etiquette set out to modernize standard etiquette to meet the needs of the changing mid-20th century world. With more people on the go than ever before, more women taking on careers outside of the home, and more travel opportunities abounding for people across the globe, a general update of how to live a kind, courteous, and socially aware life was needed.

This book covered practical everyday situations that strived for pleasant living - being courteous to family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, organizing your household so that it reflected a beautiful, welcoming, and convivial atmosphere,  planning events like weddings and parties, and interacting with fellow workers, clients and customers in professional environments.

Updated again in 1967, The Random House Book Of Etiquette continued to refine useful information as lifestyles evolved. With inclusion of both men and women's perspective on a variety of topics, this edition highlights a wide variety of subjects on all manners of modern life. Including how to properly hail a taxicab, who is to pay for restaurant meals, what to wear on an airplane,  how to announce an engagement,  how to professionally conduct oneself in a business environment, how and when to tip, how to style modern tablescapes, how to socialize in a night club, how to entertain divorced friends, how to select quality household items, and ways in which to style hair, makeup and wardrobe for contemporary life. 

Like all etiquette books no matter what the decade or who the author is, the focus is always on kindness and courtesy- two things that never go out of style.  What's interesting about collecting ettiquete books from different decades is the sub-story they tell behind the rules of cordial behavior from the period in which they were produced.

An etiquette book written by Emily Post in 1922 tells a different story than an etiquette book published by a women's fashion magazine in 1971. An etiquette book written for teenagers in the 1930s is different than one published for teens in the 1960s.  And a business etiquette book published for men and women in 1940 is different than one published for men and women in 1980. With information on clothing, style, transportation, cultural popularity, chivalry, financial independence, relationships, cultural aspirations and the ever-evolving environments of home and work life, vintage etiquette books offer glimpses into the past of how we conducted (or hoped to conduct) ourselves both individually and as a society. 

In 1967, The Random House Book of Etiquette was published as a two-volume set that included The Random House Treasury of Cooking alongside it. Packaged together in slipcover form, these books were part of The Random House Hostess Library.  Ideally suited to young brides, college graduates, and newcomers to the US who were looking for a primer to follow when setting up home, launching into the business world or familiarizing oneself with a new culture, this Hostess Library was met with great fanfare. Critics lauded its ease of use, the careful understanding of modern culture, and the wide breadth of information offered on not only how to become a magnanimous hostess but also a considerate human being.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Volume One, published in 1967

- 414 pages including detailed index

- Illustrated throughout with black and white line drawings

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous, practically brand-new vintage condition. All pages are clean and bright throughout as well as the front and back coverboards. The spine is tight and all pages are intact. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 9.5" inches (length) x 6.75" inches (width) x 1.25" inches (thickness) and weighs 1.11 lbs.

 {FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Find more vintage etiquette books in the shop here.