Explore the ideal standards of etiquette from historical manuals, societal shifts, racial nuances, and etiquette evolution. Learn about figures like Emily Post, manners vs. etiquette, and the impact of women in the world of etiquette literature.
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Quick takeaways
Etiquette manuals reflect ideal behavior standards rather than universal rules, shaping societal expectations.
Earl of Chesterfield's letters stress pleasing others, adapting social tones, and observing good manners.
Lillian Eichler's casual etiquette book emphasizes respectful and courteous behaviors in society.
Deep dives
Giovanni Delacasa's Etiquette Manual: The Code of Manners
In 1558, Giovanni Delacasa authored an etiquette manual focused on personal behavior rather than courtly conduct. The treatise emphasized the importance of good manners and ideal behavior. First published in 1558, this manual influenced European etiquette and was translated into English in 1576, highlighting the refined standard of behavior advocated.
Philip Stanhope's Letters on Etiquette: Establishing Good Behavior Norms
Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, wrote letters to his son on etiquette starting in 1737. While commonly credited with introducing the word 'etiquette' in its modern sense, his letters emphasized the value of pleasing others, adapting to social tones, and observing good manners in various social interactions.
Lillian Eichler's 1920 Etiquette Book: Emphasizing Politeness and Social Standards
In 1920, Lillian Eichler published a two-volume etiquette book with a focus on cultivating courteous behaviors and social propriety. Her work, more casual than other etiquette manuals, stressed the importance of manners in society, advocating for a respectful and well-mannered approach in various social settings.
Emily Post's Classic Etiquette: A Detailed Guide to Good Manners
Emily Post's 1922 book, 'Etiquette in Society,' in business, in politics, and at home became a bestseller with its comprehensive guide to social norms. Post highlighted etiquette as a means to navigate social interactions, emphasizing the significance of correct and polite behavior in various contexts.
Insights on Etiquette Evolution: Addressing Cultural Nuances and Social Changes
Throughout history, etiquette manuals have reflected changing social norms and cultural shifts. From defining good manners to adapting to evolving societal expectations, these guides offer insights into navigating social complexities and fostering harmonious interactions.
Books on etiquette don’t necessarily reflect rules everyone is actually following – they’re more like what the author thinks the ideal standard of behavior should be. This episode looks at six such books from history.
Research:
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Giovanni Della Casa". Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Giovanni-Della-Casa. Accessed 29 February 2024.
Dukes, Hunter. “The Age of Impoliteness: Galateo: or, A Treatise on Politeness and Delicacy of Manners (1774 edition).” The Public Domain Review. 2/27/2024. https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/galateo/
Della Casa, Giovanni. “Galateo: Or, A Treatise on Politeness and Delicacy of Manners.” Printed for J. Dodsley. 1774.
Stanhope, Philip Dormer, Earl of Chesterfield. “Letters to His Son, 1746-47.” Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3351/pg3351-images.html
Eyebright, Daisy. “A Manual of Etiquette with Hints of Politeness and Good Breeding.” https://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/eyebright/etiquette/etiquette.html
Green, Edward S. “National Capital Code of Etiquette.” Washington, D.C. : Austin Jenkins. 1920. https://archive.org/details/nationalcapitalc00greerich
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Emily Post". Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emily-Post. Accessed 4 March 2024.
Post, Emily. “Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home.” Funk & Wagnalls. New York and London. 1922. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/14314/14314-h/14314-h.htm#Page_1