Star Spangled Manners

Traces the history of American manners, citing the nation's early stand against hierarchical European etiquette, and describing its adoption of a frequently misunderstood egalitarian respect system.

"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.

Advice on social, business and personal etiquette.

Introduce little learners to the intriguing story behind America's national anthem with this 200-word board book. What's the story behind America's national anthem? With this simple and factual introduction, young children will learn how the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" came to be written. Engaging illustrations depict when Francis Scott Key witnessed a battle in the War of 1812 and memorialized it in a moving poem. In addition, toddlers will learn basic "flag manners." Thoroughly researched and historically accurate, this board book distills a pivotal moment in history for little learners.

An indispensable manual to navigating life from birth to death without making a false move. Your neighbor denounces cellular telephones as instruments of the devil. Your niece swears that no one expects thank-you letters anymore. Your father-in-law insists that married women have to take their husbands' names. Your guests plead that asking them to commit themselves to attending your party ruins the spontaneity. Who is right? Miss Manners, of course. With all those amateurs issuing unauthorized etiquette pronouncements, aren't you glad that there is a gold standard to consult about what has really changed and what has not? The freshly updated version of the classic bestseller includes the latest letters, essays, and illustrations, along with the laugh-out-loud wisdom of Miss Manners as she meets the new millennium of American misbehavior head-on. This wickedly witty guide rules on the challenges brought about by our ever-evolving society, once again proving that etiquette, far from being an optional extra, is the essential currency of a civilized world.

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Bill O'Reilly and James Patterson together present a beautifully illustrated, instantly classic picture book that celebrates the magic of the word "Please" for our children. In this inspired collaboration, bestselling authors Bill O'Reilly and James Patterson remind us all that a single word -- "Please?" -- is useful in a thousand different ways. From finding a lovable stray dog to needing a partner on a seesaw, from reading a bedtime story to really, really needing a cookie, Give Please a Chance depicts scenes and situations in which one small word can move mountains. With a vivid array of illustrations by seventeen different artists, this charming, helpful book is a fun and memorable way for children to learn the magic power of one simple word: please.