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Joanne Harris

20 Mar, 10 tweets, 2 min read

Just rediscovered this amazing book of manners, in French, published in 1913. Title: The Polite Young Lady.”
Quotes to follow.

"Since God has decreed that you be born nobly, you must behave accordingly... you may be both beautiful and virtuous, and yet disgust the world with your vulgarity."

On bathing: "One should bathe at least once a year, and change one's under-linen once a week. Washing the feet is also recommended, especially during the summer months."

"Rules when standing: Never stand with legs apart. The feet should be pointed outwards, and the weight distributed evenly. Stand straight, but not stiffly. Never allow yourself to lean against a wall or item of furniture."

"Rules for composing the features. The forehead should be serene and unlined. The eyes should express modesty. The mouth should be shut. The tongue should never be seen. Although boredom is inevitable in society, yawning is not permissible."

"Gloves should be worn at all times: white for grand occasions; light-coloured for social visits; black for occasions of mourning. Kid gloves should be worn in summer, and lined gloves for winter. Even in church, these should only be removed to take Holy Communion."

Food: "Never bite directly into a piece of bread, but break it into bite-sized pieces with the fingers. Never mix salad with other items of food. Fish should be eaten adroitly and unobtrusively. If you do not know how to do this, go without."

On greetings: "A salutation should consist of a gracious inclination of the torso, or a small curtsey. Never offer to shake hands. When offered a handshake, accept timidly, and with great reserve."

On entertainments: "There is no special vice in certain children's card games (bog, nain-jaune, etc), although be sure not to allow your enthusiasm to descend into such vulgarities as laughter, raised voices, or other signs of merriment."

You will be delighted to discover that it was not considered necessary for the Polite Young Gentleman to follow such strict rules of behaviour, as "gentlemen are not subject to such stringencies of manners, as befits their taste for robust pursuits & their vigorous constitution."

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