The Official Preppy Handbook

by Lisa Birnbach and Derrick Bell

Book Overview

The Official Preppy Handbook is a tongue-in-cheek humor reference guide written by Jonathan Roberts, Carol McD. Wallace, Mason Wiley, and Lisa Birnbach. It discusses an aspect of North American... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0894801406
• ISBN13: 9780894801402
• Release Date: September 1980
• Publisher: Workman Publishing
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Saved my a$$ as an undergrad.

I entered Yale in the 90s, as a child of working-class parents. This book was handed to me, partly as a joke from an upperclassman, but partly in earnest. I read it cover-to-cover in one afternoon, and while much of it is in fun, "the reason it's a cliche is because it's true." Knowing the weird thought processes and rituals of the WASPy, old-money class of people who are still very much prevalent in the Ivy League and all across the US, helped me to fit in and have fun in a rather alien world -- then and now.

The book ... the legend ... the way of life

This book was a spot-on parody when it came out in 1980, but also a quite accurate and even useful "field guide" to the North American prepster. Almost 25 years later, it still holds up as humor, and also as a great guide to the prep look and lifestyle. And best of all, it may even be timely once again: An article in the New York Times a few days ago suggested that teen fashion trends are turning away from overexposure and punk and back toward plaid, chinos, polo shirts (with turned up collars, natch), even repp ties! Everything comes around a second time, so Lisa Birnbach call your office. It may be time for an updated edition for today's rising BMOCs. All I know is that my copy is well-thumbed from two-plus decades of hard work, and it's showing no signs of irrelevance yet!

The Very Best

Two years ago I found this book is a small shop in Morro Bay, I read it and loved it. This is a Bible for me and I now realize that all my life I have been a prep. I found another copy at the same store this year and gave it to my sister. The book is timeless and absolutely hilarious. I recommend it to anyone who wants a great laugh and also to those who want to live the "preppy" lifestyle. It is a wonderful book that makes a great gift. I am sad that it is out of print.

like prep, a classic

Cardigans carelessly draped over shoulders, Pappagalo, little children who wear no jewelry, not even watches, because "Nanny knows what time it is." A wonderful tribute to the days when Abercrombie & Fitch was not the classless chainstore it is today. The clothing section alone is a primer in timeless quality. And it's always fun to practice Locust Valley lockjaw with friends.

So fuuny, so close to home

Mummy, Daddy, Trip and Buffy eat your hearts out! This is the funniest book I've ever read, and I have to admit I've gleaned more than a couple of fashion hints from its sacred pages. While it is primarily a tongue-in-cheek spoof on old-line preppies, it is also a definitive, flawless, and well-written authority on The Tradition. Owning the out-of-print book is a coveted honor. And know to refer to it by its abbrevaition: The OPH. Find it in paperback, discuss it only with your preppiest friends, and tuck it away in a descreet bedroom drawer. And it is important to keep the rare item safe for passing it on to the future generations, as preppy style never ages.

It's a timeless treasure--too bad it's out of print!

It's just as funny as it was back in 1980--after all, preppiness never ages! It's just a shame that it's so diffucult to get a hand on a copy--there's a whole generation out there that will be deprived of this super send-up of the madras plaid and no-socks-with-loafers crowd.