Three timeless books on the art of living gracefully—from a Renaissance philosopher, a beloved first lady, and the original matron of American manners.
The Art of Worldly Wisdom: Seventeenth-century Spanish philosopher Baltasar Gracián advises people of all walks of life on how to approach political, professional, and personal situations in a dog-eat-dog world. Comprised of three hundred pithy aphorisms, this influential work offers thought-provoking and accessible advice. Some subjects include “Never Compete,” “The Art of Letting Things Alone,” and “Anticipate Injuries and Turn Them into Favors.”
Eleanor Roosevelt’s Book of Common Sense Etiquette: As a politician, diplomat, activist, and first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt knew the importance of civility. In this etiquette guide, first published in 1962, she draws from her personal and professional experiences to cover a broad range of topics, from business dealings to family affairs, receiving guests, and traveling abroad.
Emily Post’s Etiquette: A popular phenomenon when it was first published in 1922, this guide established Emily Post as the undisputed authority on considerate behavior. Though updated editions have appeared over the years, this original text is both a fascinating window into American high society at the dawn of the Roaring Twenties and a timeless testament to the value of social grace.
