Miss Manners Rescues Civilization: From Sexual Harassment, Frivolous Lawsuits, Dissing and Other Lapses in Civility

by Judith Martin

In an era of American history that has shown a heightened sensitivity toward the ideals of democracy, self-expression, freedom, and individual rights, we are paradoxically experiencing a breakdown in our nation's ability to function as a civil people. From athletes who shout obscenities on national television to surgeons who blast their favorite music while operating, from gang members who kill those who've -dissed- them to mourners who treat funerals...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517701642
• ISBN13: 9780517701645
• Release Date: May 1996
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 497 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 7.9" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

REALLY GOOD BOOK!

COULD BE RENAMED AS "HOW TO DEAL WITH SOCIAL SNAFUS" BOOK HAS SOME REALLY GOOD SUGGESTIONS.P.S. BOOK ARRIVED IN 4 DAYS AND IN VERY GOOD CONDITION.

the book we all think other people should read

Judith Martin is self-assured, gentle, and almost always right, even on the most emotionally-wrought subjects (flag-burning, date-rape, and the ever distressing fork-use issue). Best of all, she is a brilliant writer, with a clear, wry, and unashamedly intelligent voice. This book offers a philosophical, as well as a practical treatment of etiquette in a time when the law has taken over much of what used to be etiquette's realm--by her convincing argument, to no-one's benefit. Perhaps the only known example of a socially charming libertarian, she calmly notes that the *right* to do something doesn't mean it's acceptable, and that our society's penchant for outlawing rude behavior may be causing fatal confusion on this point. While it is tempting to read only to be shocked and amused by accounts of how terribly behaved other people are, there are lessons there for all of us... yes, even me.

Delightful good sense and good humor

Judith Martin, a.k.a. Miss Manners, will save civilization if anyone can. This book, like her column, is full of good sense and good humor -- and she's got the importance of etiquette just exactly right. Please read this book at once, and try to find a polite way to get everyone you know to read it too.

Less Dr. Laura, More Miss Manners

Miss Manners presents the keys to a more gracious and civilized world, without the "slash-and-burn" style of other social commentators. Old-fashioned without being reactionary, Miss Manners is a role model for us all. Read Miss Manners--please.

Manners, we could use a few

In this, the age of trivializing the important things, and placing too much meaning on the trivial, we should thank our lucky stars that we have Miss Manners to help put things in the proper perspective. This book will clarify what the proper and effective responses to so many of our daily dilemmas are. From racism to place-settings, she knows all. Her aim is to make the world more civilized, as you might have guessed, and she makes no bones about it. The best thing is, that for even the most dire , "I-cannot-believe-you-would-dare.." situations, she has a gracious solution. She is not ignorant of the real world, as many would have those with manners believe they are, and realizes that there are problems- she also realizes, however, that there are solutions, and that those solutions do not involve weaponry. I must also recommend all of her other books, on manners, as well as her fiction.