I TRY TO BEHAVE MYSELF: Peg Bracken's Etiquette Book

Considering this author's previous (and very successful) ventures into print (The I Hate to Cook Book, The I Hate to Housekeep Book) the present title may seem odd. There is nothing unfamiliar about the approach, though -- sensible, irreverent, easy-to-take advice. ""Once only a proof of your breeding, manners are now an indication of your warm heart and good intentions as well (and if something is the matter with either, you may as well stay home until the soul's own weather improves)"". With a polite tip of her hat (although she doesn't always recommend wearing one) to Mrs. Emily Post's yeoman work in etiquette, the author proceeds to outline the ""warm heart"" and ""good intention"" attack on table manners, tipping, letters, recreation and travel. Not included (and with barely anybody left to protest their lack) are the long stretches common to other guides on what to do about the head butler and what to call the Ambassador to his face at a protocol dinner. Instead, there is a hard-sense essay on children's manners, directives on smoking manners, a chapter called ""Men and Women and What to Do About It"". Seen without the drawings of Hilary Knight, who can usually be counted on for light-hearted humor and eye-appeal.