Modern Manners

Book excerpt: A selection of stellar contributors to the fabulous women's magazine The Gentlewomanpresent a timely selection of thought-provoking, witty essays on manners, offering the modern woman viewpoints and advice on classic conundrums and totally contemporary matters With contributions from a roster of The Gentlewoman's impeccably engaging contributors and readers, including Ann Friedman, Eva Wiseman, Otegha Uwagba, Caroline Roux, Susan Irvine, and Joan Juliet Buck, this thoughtful, stylish collection of essays is an essential guide to navigating today's world. Individually arresting and unexpected, with advice on subjects ranging from the classic topics of manners and social behavior (tipping; arriving alone; godparenting; hosting) to totally contemporary matters (the best legal drugs; the benefits of a menstrual cup; the art of regifting; and crafting the perfect out of office reply), and tips and opinions galore from fun friends of the magazine from Miranda July and Hilary Mantel to Kylie Minogue and Honey Dijon, together these essays form a singular perspective on modern life: that of The Gentlewoman.