Sorry! The English and Their Manners

Sorry! The English and Their Manners examines the history and evolution of English social behavior from medieval times to the present. Henry Hitchings investigates the origins of politeness, etiquette, and manners in British culture through historical research and cultural analysis. The book tracks key developments in English manners through different periods, from the emergence of conduct books to the impact of technology on modern social interactions. Hitchings explores topics like the role of the handshake, the significance of saying "please" and "sorry," and the complex unwritten rules that govern public behavior in England. The text incorporates examples from literature, historical documents, and contemporary life to illustrate how manners reflect deeper social structures and values. Interviews with etiquette experts and behavioral scientists provide current perspectives on English social customs. Through this cultural history, Hitchings reveals how manners serve as both social lubricant and source of anxiety in English society, reflecting broader questions about class, power, and national identity. The work suggests that studying manners provides insight into how societies negotiate relationships between individuals and groups.

Readers found this book informative but somewhat unfocused. Many appreciated Hitchings' research into the historical evolution of English manners and his analysis of how class structures shaped social behaviors. Likes: - Clear explanations of how specific customs developed - Entertaining anecdotes and historical examples - Coverage of modern manners in digital communication Dislikes: - Meandering narrative structure - Too much focus on etymology rather than actual manners - Limited practical advice for contemporary situations - Some sections feel repetitive Sample reader comment: "Fascinating history but loses its way in linguistic tangents" - Goodreads reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (246 ratings) Amazon UK: 3.7/5 (43 ratings) Amazon US: 3.8/5 (21 ratings) Several readers noted the book works better as a cultural history than a manners guide, with one Amazon reviewer stating "More academic than practical - not what I expected but still worthwhile."

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The Butler Speaks by Charles MacPherson A former butler reveals the traditions, protocols, and customs that shape formal social interactions in British society.

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🎯 Author Henry Hitchings won the prestigious Somerset Maugham Award in 2008 for his book "The Secret Life of Words" 📚 The word "sorry" is used approximately eight times more frequently in British conversation than in American conversation 🎭 The Victorian era saw the publication of over 400 different books on etiquette and manners in Britain 🗣️ The medieval word "manner" originally referred to the way someone handled their horse, before evolving to describe general behavior 👑 Queen Elizabeth I was known to spit frequently while eating, as it was considered perfectly acceptable table manners during her time - showing how drastically standards of politeness have changed