Snoozecast Presents: Etiquette

Tonight, we’ll read about the etiquette of throwing balls from Manners and Rules of Good Society by “A Member of the Aristocracy,” published in London in 1916. Snoozecast first read from this book back in 2021.

A ball is a formal dance party characterized by a banquet followed by social dance that includes ballroom dancing. More than just an evening of entertainment, a well-orchestrated ball was a display of refinement, social standing, and adherence to an intricate web of unspoken rules. Success at such an event was not measured solely by the elegance of a waltz or quadrille but by the host’s ability to maintain harmony

among guests, observe propriety, and adhere to the rigid expectations of high society.

The author of Manners and Rules of Good Society, while anonymous, was likely someone well-acquainted with the customs of the British upper class. The book served as a guide to navigating the complex social structures of the time, providing insight into not only how to host a ball but how to conduct oneself in all matters of decorum. As the Edwardian era gave way to the upheaval of the First World War, such traditions were becoming increasingly symbolic of a fading world—one where rigid social distinctions were being challenged by the changing times.

Balls themselves had evolved over centuries, originating in the royal courts of Europe before spreading into the aristocracy and, later, to the upper-middle class. By the time this book was published, grand balls were still held in the great houses of Britain, but their role was shifting. What had once been a cornerstone of courtship and political alliances was becoming more of a nostalgic tradition. Yet, even as the social landscape changed, books like Manners and Rules of Good Society sought to preserve the elegance and ritual of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the customs that once dictated the highest levels of society.

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Tonight, for our 550th episode, we’ll read about dinner party etiquette from the book “Our Deportment” written by John H. Young and published in 1881.

The word “deportment” has fallen out of usage starting in the twentieth century, but is defined simply as “a person’s behavior or manners.” It comes from the similar French word déportement.

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Tonight, we’ll read advice about being a good conversationalist, and why you should never say “bovine continuation” when you mean “cow’s tail”, from the book “Etiquette in Society, In Business, In Politics and at Home” written by Emily Post and published in 1922.

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Tonight, we’ll read about calling cards, also known as visiting cards, from the book “Etiquette in Society, In Business, In Politics and at Home” written by Emily Post and published in 1922.

Post was an American writer and socialite who became the most famous authority on how to behave graciously in society and business.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to listen to our original episode from this book called “Introductions” that aired on August 30, 2021.

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Tonight, we’ll read an excerpt about bicycle etiquette from “Twentieth Century Culture and Deportment for the Lady and Gentleman at Home and Abroad” by Maud C. Cook published in 1899.

Bicycles and horse buggies were the two mainstays of private transportation just prior to the advent of the automobile. The grading of smooth roads in the late 1800s was stimulated by the widespread advertising, production, and use of bicycles along with horse buggies.

By the turn of the century, when this book was written, cycling clubs flourished on both sides of the Atlantic, and touring and racing became widely popular.

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Tonight, we’ll read the opening to “Etiquette in Society, In Business, In Politics and at Home” written by Emily Post and published in 1922. Post was an American writer and socialite who became the most famous authority on how to behave graciously in society and business. This particular book became wildly popular.

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Tonight, we’ll read excerpts from the “Ladies’ Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness,” written in 1860 by Florence Hartley. The excerpts will include “Conduct in the Street” and “Polite Deportment and Good Habits.”

The opening excerpt regarding conduct in the street refers to omnibuses. These were large horse-drawn carriages used for public transportation in the late 1800s.

Hartley was a Victorian-era writer covering topics of etiquette and needlework. She was also an advocate for women's health.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out our other episode of excerpts from this title including “How to Behave at a Hotel” and “Places of Amusement.” That episode aired on June 21, 2019.

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Tonight, we’ll be reading selections from, "The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness" written by Cecil B. Hartley in 1860. 

Snoozecast was surprised to find nothing online about the author besides having written another book on the life of Daniel Boone. Perhaps it is not coincidental that the author of, "The Ladies Book of Etiquette" was published the same year by an author with the same last name - Florence Hartley. 

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Tonight, we'll read from the, "Ladies' Book of Etiquette" written in 1860 by Florence Hartley. Hartley was a Victoria-era writer whose work was meant for women of the era, covering topics of etiquette and needlework. She was also an advocate for women's health. (Don't worry fellas, we'll be dropping the "Gentleman's Book of Etiquette", also by Hartley in a future episode.) 

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