Who are the Cultured?

New York: Social Culture Publications, [1923].

Softcover. Good. 5 x 7" stapled illustrated wraps, pp. 16, 9 b/w photogravure illustrations in text; wraps age-toned with a coffee-ring stain, short tears at the spine head and tail, pencil notations on the rear wrap, one gathering (pp. 7-10) loose from the binding but laid in; lacking the "enclosed order form" that is called for in the text. Prospectus for The Book of Good Manners, A Guide to Polite Usage for All Social Functions, from a short-lived publisher whose other books included "The Book of Culture," "Physical Beauty: How to Develop and Preserve It," "Color Harmony and Design in Dress," "How to Prepare and Serve a Meal," and "Sex: Avoided Subjects Discussed in Plain English." Some choice quotes from this text: "Most people ... become so set in their ways and habits that they are content to go through life branded with that harsh English class word—COMMON." "Have you ever planned what you expected to be a happy event and then...done or said something that made you want to run away and hide?" "Did his silence spell disgust?" "Do you want to embarrass your friends when they present you to cultured people?" And if, at a formal dinner party, you follow "The Watchful Waiting Policy" (in order to use the correct forks and address the servants properly), "perhaps you went home thinking that you had not exposed your ignorance, but remember that this 'watchful waiting' policy means the same to the well-bred person as your saying, 'I really don't know how to act here. I am not well bred. I am used to vulgar manners and am very ill at ease.'"

Item #23768

Price: $65.00