This guide to good manners was produced by Lillian Watson in 1921 as a rewrite of the Encyclopedia of Etiquette by Emily Holt. Mining her own experience as a social misfit and would-be social climber for material, it was a huge hit with those aspiring to a grander station. Originally published in two volumes, but presented here in one combined edition, The Book of Etiquette covers:
. the secret of social success
. engagements and weddings
. the intricacies of the social call
. correspondence and invitations
. use of the napkin
. yachting parties for bachelors
. musicals and private theatricals
. some important rules about golf
. the charm of correct speech
. and much more...
The only serious competitor to Emily Post as etiquette maven to America between the wars, LILLIAN EICHLER WATSON (b. 1902) was a 19-year-old copywriter for the book publisher Doubleday when she was commissioned to rewrite the outdated Encyclopedia of Etiquette by Emily Holt.
