Showing results by author "Florence Hartley" in All Categories

A COMPLETE HAND BOOK FOR THE USE OF THE LADY IN POLITE SOCIETY. CONTAINING FULL DIRECTIONS FOR CORRECT MANNERS, DRESS, DEPORTMENT, AND CONVERSATION; RULES FOR THE DUTIES OF BOTH HOSTESS AND GUEST IN MORNING RECEPTIONS, DINNER COMPANIES, VISITING, EVENING PARTIES AND BALLS; A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR LETTER WRITING AND CARDS OF COMPLIMENT; HINTS ON MANAGING SERVANTS, ON THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH, AND ON ACCOMPLISHMENTS. AND ALSO USEFUL RECEIPTS FOR THE COMPLEXION, HAIR, AND WITH HINTS AND DIRECTIONS FOR THE CARE OF THE WARDROBE. - Summary from book.

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

A guide for ladies, written in 1860, on what is accepted as correct behavior in polite society. The advice covers dress, travelling, staying in hotels, attending and giving parties and balls, making and receiving morning calls, letter writing, how to deal with servants, what accomplishments every well bred lady should be expected to acquire and how to choose a suitable husband. (Summary by Christine Lamberton)