Amy Vanderbilt (1)Critiques

Raised on this edition certainly prepared me for what life would throw my way. While some practices seem quaint and silly, overall, the book has stood the test of time. My go-to home reference is Emily Post Book of Etiquette,17th edition, all 900+ pages. Technology has changed my traditional methods of behavior, and I like to see what options are now acceptable. I then proceed with whatever way I have always handled things. For example, I will never text a Thank You note. The handwritten note will be sent within three days; it's a two-line note, and the mail carrier picks it up at the door. Wow, what an intrusive, time-consuming task to need to complete because someone wined and dined you.

Obviously, this is an etiquette book. Some of the ideas are quite antiquated for today's society, but it's fun to read for a glimpse into the past. I wouldn't recommend following these guidelines strictly anymore, as many of them are considered rather strange now. (For example, Vanderbilt insists that brides who decide not to wear a veil are selfish and attention seeking. She also insists that it's inappropriate for anyone but the bride's father to announce an engagement, and it must be done at some sort of engagement dinner party.)

What, at firtst glance, seems to be an ordinary and quite common cookbook from the early sixties, has become a desirable addition to the cook's shelf. The reason for this is the line-drawn illustrations that are scattered throughout and were done by the then unknown artist, Andy Warhol. His name appears on the title page as Andrew. The simple drawings, while competent and workmanlike examples of mid-fifties book illustration, give no indication of the soon-to-be icon of 20th century art and culture.

A favorite go-to book. All recipes are winners. A true collectible.

New revised edition

Manners

A book of etiquette.