Manners for the metropolis : An entrance key to the fantastic life of the 400

In an age when telephones ring across drawing rooms, motor cars rumble past manor gates, and women claim new freedoms, the old rules of polite society feel suddenly out of step. This compact handbook steps in as a modern Baedeker for the bustling metropolis, translating the bewildering innovations of wireless telegraphy, cocktail parties, and bridge whist into clear, courteous practice. Its author offers a friendly compass for anyone navigating the rapid social metamorphosis of the early twentieth century, from the seasoned aristocrat to the newly minted plutocrat.

From the delicate art of a tête‑à‑tête to the proper conduct at a country‑house weekend, the guide supplies concise instructions for every occasion—picnics, funerals, piano recitals, and even the etiquette of choosing a motor car or a cigar. Sprinkled with witty examples and practical tips—like the correct way to request a brandy after a bath overflow—the book makes the complexities of modern life feel manageable and even enjoyable. Listeners will appreciate its blend of humor and genuine instruction, a timeless resource for mastering the manners of a rapidly changing world.