
audiobook
by Samuel R. (Samuel Roberts) Wells
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
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
2008-09-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1820–1875
A 19th-century writer and publisher best remembered for popular works on phrenology, health, and self-improvement. His books helped carry those ideas to a wide American audience through the lively publishing world of New York.
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