Bluffer's Guide To Etiquette

Instantly acquire all the knowledge you need to pass as an expert in the world of etiquette and high society. Know what to say, what not to say, where to be seen, and what and what not to wear. Never again be found wanting when asked if someone is a PLU or a NQOCD, why port should be passed to the left, or how many air kisses you should aim at the proffered cheek of someone you barely know. Arm yourself with the essential words or phrases which have entered the etiquette lexicon from prerevolutionary France, and know not to mix up your droit du seigneur with your noblesse oblige. Bask in the admiration of your aristocratic hosts as you enquire politely about the place à table, pronounce confidently on whether the going is heavy or soft, and hold your own against the most sneering of posturing parvenus. Written by experts and offering readers the opportunity to pass off appropriated knowledge as their own, the Bluffer’s Guides provide hard fact masquerading as frivolous observation in one witty, easy read.

About the Author :
William Hanson is one of the UK's leading etiquette consultants and society commentators. His life’s work has necessitated giving lessons all over the world in How To Be Nice and What Not To Do at every conceivable occasion. He has trained everyone from royalty, government officials, diplomats and VIPs who wish to integrate with British society to pupils at top public schools. He regularly graces uncomfortable television sofas to talk about good behaviour, correcting the hosts when they call them `couches’. It was a tragic accident of birth that he was born without a title, but he has since gone on to defy the odds and become a proud member of the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.

Review :
'"The Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette" is the most snobbish book I have ever read. Is it wrong to say that I enjoyed every page of it? William Hanson is the 21st century's high priest of snobbery - which I suppose makes it perfect if that is your ambition too!'--Eamon Holmes, broadcaster 'My '"Let's Do Lunch"' colleague William Hanson has created and written the perfect gift for those interested in polishing up on their manners and learning to behave properly.'--Melanie Sykes, TV presenter 'If, like me, you have always wanted to be a proper English gentleman, you'll find William Hanson's book the perfect guide for any social situation.'--Gino D'Acampo, chef & TV presenter 'Manners say a lot about a person as do dirty shoes, grubby hands and unkempt hair. I believe in today's fast moving world there is, unfortunately, more grubbiness and less manners. But in "The Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette "- which is both factual and funny - we discover how to and how not to behave. How refreshing it is to see people like William telling us all is not lost and there's still hope.'--Dickie Arbiter, former Buckingham Palace Press Spokesman 'The first rule of how to behave in polite society should be - do unto others as you want them to do unto you - and if they fail in this regard, then let them choke themselves! I applaud Mr. Hanson on this book.'--The Lord Feldman of Frognal, peer 'Until Hanson's "Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette" landed in our house (note: not our 'home') Coco our mongrel was widely acknowledged to have the best manners in the family. But now I no longer HKLP (hold knife like pen) and am buying copies for all my friends' and friends' children for presents. William Hanson's brilliant and essential book is social satnav and a funny and infallible guide to modern life and times.'--Rachel Johnson, former editor of The Lady