Author(s): Brummell

Gift

First published in 1900, this is the original comportment guide for the aristocracy. The want of a literature appealing only to those moving in the highest social circles, and practically incomprehensible to such as have not enjoyed the same advantages of birth, fortune and cellars, has long been regretted by the families of the aristocracy. To supply it the authors have written this treatise. Its ethics are adapted alike to throne-room, boudoir and butler's pantry. During perusal, his Grace (or his valet) will find it applicable to most, if not all, of the contingencies of a ducal existence. Falling in love, going to sea and making a fortune are accidents that may befall a Policeman; but staying with a Cabinet Minister, taking a Duchess in to dinner and seeing a cockaded hat touched in deferential recognition, are sensations enjoyed by the favoured few. A visit to a country house is the summit of refined gratification and at the disposal, therefore, of the guest travelling towards a twelve-course dinner, the authors have placed this essential guide. Among the areas of advice offered are: the dinner table, hunting, shooting, in the ballroom, the precedence of personages, conversation de societe, and the whole duty of the gentleman. An invaluable guide to manners and mores, and as indispensable to the modern aristocrat as it was over 100 years ago.