Etiquettes and Girls' Behavior

This section is representative, but not an exhaustive listing of all the prescriptive literature available in the Special Collections Library. A separate bibliography is available on this subject, or, for a more comprehensive listing, search the online catalog for the subject heading "prescriptive literature."

• Bowen, Abel. The Young Lady's Book: A Manual of Elegant Recreations, Exercises, and Pursuits. London: Vizetelly, Branston and Company, 1832. (Juv 396 Y78) Includes chapters on botany, entomology, mineralogy, dancing, riding, archery, embroidery, the toilette, and moral deportment.
• Leslie, Eliza. American Girl's Book; or, Occupation for Play Hours. Boston: Munroe and Francis, 1841. (Juv 745.5 L634A) "I have often regretted that so many of the diversions which formerly enlivened the leisure hours of very young people should long since have become obsolete, or only to be found in circles which are yet untouched with the folly and affectation of what is called fashion."

• Blinn, Henry Clay. Gentle Manners; a Guide to Good Morals. East Canterbury, N.H., 1899. (E G338) "In the education of children and youth, and even of those of more advanced age, there are certain rules of discipline which should be carefully maintained. Our lives are, primarily, for the happiness of those around us, as well as for ourselves, and the social relations which we maintain in society should impress us with this responsibility."
• Humphry, Mrs. Manners for Girls. London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1901. (E 12Mo #6049) "A woman has to wait till she is asked, whether for a dance or for a partnership for life. To men it is given to choose. Women have the comparatively passive rôle of merely accepting or declining."
• Griffin, Caroline S. The Young Folks' Book of Etiquette. Chicago: A. Flanagan, c1905. (SCL Off-Site Stacks: 395 G851) This little gem has instructions on how to be a polite child, or more bluntly, "strictly obedient" to parents and other adults. Politeness and the appearance of happiness and good nature are imperative.
• Waterman, Nixon. The Girl Wanted: A Book of Friendly Thoughts. Chicago: Forbes and Co., 1913. (E #20549) ". . . there has never been a period of history when a girl was of more importance than she is just now. Indeed, many close observers and clear thinkers are of the opinion that there never has been a time when a girl was of quite so much importance as she is today."
• Allen, Betty and Mitchell Pirie Briggs. If You Please!: a Book of Manners for Young Moderns. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1942. (E #20533) An informally written, yet didactic handbook on how to be a perfect lady (or gentleman), down to the last detail. An etiquette quiz tests your manners at the end of the book, and if you are in dire need of more instruction, a bibliography for further reading is also provided. Full of photos, line drawings and trite rhymes to illustrate the need for impeccable deportment.
• Young, Marjabelle and Ann Buchwald. White Gloves and Party Manners. Washington, D.C.: R. B. Luce, 1965. (E #19881) This books claims to be for both boys and girls, though mostly female behavior is prescribed. "Young ladies must learn how to be proper hostesses, but when you go to public places it is the gentleman who takes over."
• Packer, Alex J. How Rude!: the Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and not Grossing People Out. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub., 1997. (E#19267) This humorous and frank guidebook begins with a history of manners and even addresses the idea of traditional manners as sexist. Includes instructions for polite dining, telephone interactions, personal hygiene, and general principles for being a good friend and responsible social citizen.