Star-Spangled Manners - In Which Miss Manners Defends American Etiquette (For a Change) (Paperback, Revised)

"Wonderfully wicked....A bracingly sensible guide to living peaceably together."—Francine Prose, Elle

In this "wryly perceptive, historically informed" ( BookPage) new book, America's leading expert on civility reminds her Gentle Readers that when the Founding Fathers created a revolution in the name of individual liberty and equality, they also took a stand against hierarchical European etiquette in favor of simplicity over ceremony, and personal dignity over obsequiousness to our rulers.

Hailed by George Will as "The National Bureau of Standards," Judith Martin, who has "made etiquette writing an exercise in wit" ( Book), recounts here how Americans fashioned this etiquette of egalitarian respect—a fascinating story that spans from the misunderstood origins of our table manners to the much overlooked legacy of African slaves to etiquette. 10 illustrations.

"A fascinating account of how we have arrived at the standards of etiquette we follow—or disregard—today. Those who pay attention will be rewarded with keen insights."— Christian Science Monitor

"Wonderfully wicked....A bracingly sensible guide to living peaceably together."— Elle, Francince Prose

"Filled with good and fun education. It's a romp with a reasonable justification to why we do what we do."— Rainbow Electronic Review, Maggie Ramirez

"[Martin] has made etiquette writing an exercise in wit."— Book Magazine

"Peerless....analyzes every aspect of American life and the rituals that both define and undermine our culture."— Booklist

"Wryly perceptive [and] historically informed."— BookPage

"A fascinating genealogy and spirited defense of our rough-and-ready American manners."— Boston Globe

"[Martin] has a keen eye and merry wit."— Charleston Post and Courier

"A well-reasoned and insightful treatise on the American character, and the American character's manners."— San Diego Union Tribune

"A well-argued essay that describes a specifically American etiquette."— Smithsonian

"A quick and entertaining romp through American history and mores. Highly recommended."— The Daily Observer

"Incisive...Amusing."— Wall Street Journal