| February 8, 2003 |
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The Gentleman's Page
"The  effect of democracy is not exactly to give men any particular manners, but to prevent them from having any manners at all," Alexis de Tocqueville said of the state of polite society in Victorian America. But the proper gentleman had countless etiquette books to help improve his behavior, lest he fall victim to vice. With quotes of the era and historic photos, this site provides an understanding of the 19th-century man, both gentle and otherwise. Clothes made the man, and the well-dressed man owned an elegant frock coat for day and a dress coat for night. Once he had the right clothes, a gentleman needed to know the niceties of calling cards, the ballroom, and dining. Some things haven't changed much, such as table manners -- chewing with your mouth open and picking your teeth at the table will always be rude. From vests to the West, this is an excellent primer for an historic gentleman. Just don't ask if they prefer blondes. (in Society & Culture) |
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