
audiobook
by Samuel R. (Samuel Roberts) Wells
HAND-BOOKS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT—No. III
HOW TO BEHAVE - A POCKET MANUAL OF Republican Etiquette, AND GUIDE TO CORRECT PERSONAL HABITS, EMBRACING AN EXPOSITION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD MANNERS; USEFUL HINTS ON THE CARE OF THE PERSON, EATING, DRINKING, EXERCISE, HABITS, DRESS, SELF-CULTURE, AND BEHAVIOR AT HOME; THE ETIQUETTE OF SALUTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, RECEPTIONS, VISITS, DINNERS, EVENING PARTIES, CONVERSATION, LETTERS, PRESENTS, WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, THE STREET, THE CHURCH, PLACES OF AMUSEMENT, TRAVELING, ETC., WITH Illustrative Anecdotes, a Chapter on Love and Courtship, and Rules of Order for Debating Societies.
PREFACE.
INTRODUCTION.
HOW TO BEHAVE.
I. PERSONAL HABITS.
II. DRESS.
III. SELF-CULTURE
IV. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.
V. DOMESTIC MANNERS.
A concise guide aimed at helping young Americans cultivate the habits and courtesy expected of a true citizen, this manual blends practical advice on personal care, dress, dining, and social interaction with a broader philosophy of respect and justice. It walks readers through everyday situations—visits, introductions, letters, and even travel—offering clear, step‑by‑step suggestions that feel both useful and unobtrusive. The tone is earnest and supportive, encouraging readers to see good manners as an extension of their moral character rather than mere performance.
Beyond the basics, the book includes lively anecdotes and a dedicated chapter on love and courtship, plus guidance for participating in debating societies and other public gatherings. Its emphasis on timeless principles—kindness, self‑control, and genuine regard for others—sets it apart from fleeting fashion trends in etiquette. Listeners will come away with a solid foundation for polite conduct that can adapt to any setting while reflecting the spirit of the republic.
Full title
How to Behave: A Pocket Manual of Republican Etiquette, and Guide to Correct Personal Habits Embracing an Exposition of the Principles of Good Manners; Useful Hints on the Care of the Person, Eating, Drinking, Exercise, Habits, Dress, Self-culture, and Behavior at Home; the Etiquette of Salutations, Introductions, Receptions, Visits, Dinners, Evening Parties, Conversation, Letters, Presents, Weddings, Funerals, the Street, the Church, Places of Amusement, Traveling, Etc., with Illustrative Anecdotes, a Chapter on Love and Courtship, and Rules of Order for Debating Societies Embracing an Exposition of the Principles of Good Manners; Useful Hints on the Care of the Person, Eating, Drinking, Exercise, Habits, Dress, Self-culture, and Behavior at Home; the Etiquette of Salutations, Introductions, Receptions, Visits, Dinners, Evening Parties, Conversation, Letters, Presents, Weddings, Funerals, the Street, the Church, Places of Amusement, Traveling, Etc., with Illustrative Anecdotes, a Chapter on Love and Courtship, and Rules of Order for Debating Societies
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (296K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bryan Ness, Karen Dalrymple, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images from the Mann Library, Cornell University.)
Release date
Sep 12, 2008
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1820–1875
A prolific 19th-century writer and publisher, he helped turn phrenology and physiognomy into popular reading for a wide American audience. His books range from character reading and marriage advice to practical guides on farming, gardening, and health.
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