{"product_id":"1897-manners-for-men-by-mrs-humphrey-antique-etiquette-guide-book","title":"1897 Manners For Men by Mrs Humphrey - Antique Etiquette Guide Book","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere is a super antique copy of Manners For Men by Mrs Humphrey. Being a first edition, published by James Bowden of London in 1897. Condition in detail below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA highly popular late-Victorian etiquette guide. It offers a fascinating, often humorous window into the strict social expectations placed on a gentleman at the close of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Mrs Humphrey\" was actually Charlotte Eliza Humphry. Writing under the pseudonym \"Madge\" for the fashionable weekly Victorian society magazine Truth, she was one of England's very first prominent female journalists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the book unique is that it is a guide on male behaviour written entirely from a woman’s perspective. It famously begins with a chapter defining \"Woman's Ideal Man\", arguing that a true gentleman is polished in both mind and heart, rather than just acting out superficial rules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt functions as an exhaustive rulebook designed to save young men from committing social suicide through minor etiquette missteps. It outlines exact rules for public behaviour. How to conduct oneself properly while walking down the street, riding on a public horse-drawn omnibus, or driving a carriage. Proper protocol for smoking in public, attending the theatre, participating in outdoor sports, and navigating the social minefield of \"Five o'clock Tea\". Instructions on formal dinner parties and restaurant behaviour. It famously warns the reader that \"it requires some expertness and practice for a man with a moustache to take soup in a perfectly inoffensive manner\". There is strict advice on writing letters and dressing appropriately for town versus country life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1897 James Bowden first edition features a highly distinct, recognizable physical style. It is bound in a tall, narrow format, specifically designed to easily slip into a gentleman's overcoat pocket for quick reference on the go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the pages are tightly bound. They have the occasional dark handling mark. A couple of small pencil marks to the blank endpapers, but no other inscriptions or markings of previous ownership. The top closed edge has some toning. Unillustrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale-green cloth over boards have colour illustration to the front, plus black titles to the front and spine. Again in very good order. With just some faint dark handling marks and very slight rubbing to the decoration. Mild rubbing also to the cloth on the corners and spine ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour antique copy of Manners For Men will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eH 19.5 cm x W 11 cm, 160 pages, 0.25 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* If you would prefer for your books not to be decoratively wrapped but sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI post regular new stock and updates on Instagram @bumperboxofdelights\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bumper Box of Delights Bookshop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50283356193005,"sku":null,"price":117.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0351\/1068\/2669\/files\/20260713-125919_1.jpg?v=1784035917","url":"https:\/\/bumperboxofdelights.com\/en-us\/products\/1897-manners-for-men-by-mrs-humphrey-antique-etiquette-guide-book","provider":"Bumper Box of Delights Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}