Three timeless books on the art of living gracefully—from a Renaissance philosopher, a beloved first lady, and the original matron of American manners. The Art of Worldly Wisdom: Seventeenth-century Spanish philosopher Baltasar Gracián advises people of all walks of life on how to approach political, professional, and personal situations in a dog-eat-dog world. Comprised of three hundred pithy aphorisms, this influential work offers thought-provoking and accessible advice. Some subjects include “Never Compete,” “The Art of Letting Things Alone,” and “Anticipate Injuries and Turn Them into Favors.” Eleanor Roosevelt’s Book of Common Sense Etiquette: As a politician, diplomat, activist, and first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt knew the importance of civility. In this etiquette guide, first published in 1962, she draws from her personal and professional experiences to cover a broad range of topics, from business dealings to family affairs, receiving guests, and traveling abroad. Emily Post’s Etiquette: A popular phenomenon when it was first published in 1922, this guide established Emily Post as the undisputed authority on considerate behavior. Though updated editions have appeared over the years, this original text is both a fascinating window into American high society at the dawn of the Roaring Twenties and a timeless testament to the value of social grace.

When it comes to Hollywood etiquette on the movie set, nobody gave better advice than Spencer Tracy. Asked by a young actor what advice the master could offer him, Tracy replied, Know your lines and don t bump into the furniture. Strangely enough, no one has collected Hollywood s movie set rules of behavior until now. Backed by the industry and film unions, there is no other resource book like Movie Sets 101: the Definitive Survivor s Guide by Paul J. Salamoff, an eighteen-year veteran of the movie industry with credits spanning over fifty films, ten television series and numerous commercials. Whether you are new to the industry, a seasoned pro or just interested in what the credits mean at the end of your favorite movie, this book is for you. Salamoff has worked in the industry as a Special F/X Make-Up Artist, Producer, Writer, Director and Executive and has compiled what he has learned throughout the years on movie sets to help others. Not only will you learn about the different jobs on the movie set but, for the first time, you ll discover the hidden rules of movie set etiquette they don t teach you in film schools, explains Salamoff. Each chapter covers a different movie set department (i.e. talent, grip, costume, electric, etc.). Offering practical advice from over 70 top industry professionals this vitally useful information is presented with wit and humor and packed with anecdotal advice that will not only help those wanting to break into film but actually help them succeed while trying.

Details how to plan delightful parties, celebrate special occasions, ranging from Thanksgiving to breakfast in bed, and how to create ambience with table design.

In preparing a book of etiquette for ladies, I would lay down as the first rule, "Do unto others as you would others should do to you." You can never be rude if you bear the rule always in mind, for what lady likes to be treated rudely? True Christian politeness will always be the result of an unselfish regard for the feelings of others, and though you may err in the ceremonious points of etiquette, you will never be impolite. Politeness, founded upon such a rule, becomes the expression, in graceful manner, of social virtues. The spirit of politeness consists in a certain attention to forms and ceremonies, which are meant both to please others and ourselves, and to make others pleased with us; a still clearer definition may be given by saying that politeness is goodness of heart put into daily practice; there can be no _true_ politeness without kindness, purity, singleness of heart, and sensibility.

The etiquette expert and “authentic comic genius” guides us through the Age of Incivility (Chris Buckley, New York Times-bestselling author of Has Anyone Seen My Toes?). We seem to be entering a new era, liberated from oppressive, old-fashioned rules of etiquette. We’re finally free! Free to shout insults at strangers on the street! Free to pressure people to give us money! Free to use all sorts of offensive language! In this book, New York Times-bestselling author Judith Martin, aka Miss Manners, reminds us that living in an etiquette-free paradise is not all it’s cracked up to be. In wise, witty commentary and responses to letters, she addresses vexing problems in the workplace, at the wedding, on the web, and beyond, in hopes of saving civilization. But fear not, Gentle Reader—she also allows us some important exceptions. For example, despite the rampant oversharing that social media has encouraged, you can politely refuse to answer nosy questions. And you are decidedly not obliged to respond to every inane post; stay on the phone with a telemarketer; or hug your colleagues. “An extremely useful philosopher . . . I consult her frequently, in order to behave better.” —Daniel Handler in TheNew York Times

An indispensable manual to navigating life from birth to death without making a false move. Your neighbor denounces cellular telephones as instruments of the devil. Your niece swears that no one expects thank-you letters anymore. Your father-in-law insists that married women have to take their husbands' names. Your guests plead that asking them to commit themselves to attending your party ruins the spontaneity. Who is right? Miss Manners, of course. With all those amateurs issuing unauthorized etiquette pronouncements, aren't you glad that there is a gold standard to consult about what has really changed and what has not? The freshly updated version of the classic bestseller includes the latest letters, essays, and illustrations, along with the laugh-out-loud wisdom of Miss Manners as she meets the new millennium of American misbehavior head-on. This wickedly witty guide rules on the challenges brought about by our ever-evolving society, once again proving that etiquette, far from being an optional extra, is the essential currency of a civilized world.

Defines courtesy as an attitude as well as a pattern of behavior that helps other individuals feel at ease.