An uncommon history of common courtesy : how manners shaped the world / Bethanne Patrick.
With engaging and artfully presented text, including sidebars on media mavens throughout history, social gaffes, and archaic manners, this book is as entertaining as it is informative. Readers delve into cultural similarities and differences through lively passages, colorful photography, and sidebars on unique history.
Record details
- ISBN: 1426208138 (hbk.)
- ISBN: 9781426208133 (hbk.)
- Physical Description: 303 p. : col. ill. ; 25 cm.
- Publisher: Washington, D.C. : National Geographic ; 2011.
Content descriptions
General Note: | Includes index. |
Formatted Contents Note: | Shake hands, tip hats -- Say the magic words -- Elbows off the table -- Rank's privileges -- All in the family -- The game of life -- On the road again -- Getting & spending. |
Search for related items by subject
Subject: | Etiquette > History. Manners and customs. United States > Civilization > Miscellanea. |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at Kirtland Community College.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kirtland Community College Library | BJ 1821 .P38 2011 | 30775305474711 | General Collection | Available | - |
An Uncommon History of Common Courtesy : How Manners Shaped the World
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Excerpt
An Uncommon History of Common Courtesy : How Manners Shaped the World
20 Kinds of Kisses  Some cultures--including England and America, until relatively recently-- do not have a tradition of social kissing. In these societies, handshakes and sometimes hugs are the most common greetings. But many other cultures have been kissing in greeting for hundreds of years, and have evolved particular habits. Most fall under the ancient Roman category of osculum , or a kiss on the cheek. (Those classification- happy Romans also delineated basium as a kiss on the lips and savolium as a "deep kiss.")  Unlike the other types of kisses (some historians specify 20 kinds of kisses, but they refer to purpose, not physicality), the kiss on the cheek is usually given in friendship, greeting, comfort, or respect. In France, the tradition is known as faire la bise and generally refers to a kiss on each cheek. However, the number of kisses given varies widely according to region in France--and it also varies in other countries. In Brazil two kisses are standard, but a third might be offered for "luck" if the recipient is unmarried. One of the most entrenched traditions is in the Netherlands, where kisses of greeting between friends and relatives always number three. Women kiss both males and females three times in succession, but men generally reciprocate only with women. With other men, they con- fine physical greetings to a handshake. Although the three kisses can look like an awkward head-bobbing dance, it is terribly impolite to refuse.  Why? "It's a Dutch thing," is the answer.  But wait! Kissing three times on alternating cheeks is also traditional in Egypt, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Hmmm. Maybe not such a "Dutch thing" after all. Excerpted from An Uncommon History of Common Courtesy: How Manners Shaped the World by Bethanne Patrick All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.