Manners for Men

In this 1897 volume, her only book, MRS. C. E. HUMPHRY (1851-1920) describes for readers the ideal man, not merely in temperament, but in his ability to conduct himself as a gentleman in proper Edwardian society. Covering many common occasions-including walking down the street, smoking, riding a horse, attending dinner parties, eating at a restaurant, getting married, and, of course, speaking with royalty-this peculiar rule book will greatly amuse modern readers with its rundown of the enormous number of slight missteps that could condemn one to shunning by polite society. Though few lessons here are still applicable to today's casual culture, Manners for Men remains a curious glimpse into society at the turn of the 20th century.