Barbara Cartland’s Etiquette Handbook: A Guide to Good Behaviour from the Boudoir to the Boardroom Audiobook (Free)

‘For the record, the word ‘parlour’ is not used, nor may be the relatively recent insidious ‘lounge’, except about airports, hotels and liners.’

‘Boys should be taught at a very early age – 6 or seven – to say ‘Sir’ to a mature man.’

‘When you will find servants, the plates for the 1st course should never be placed on the table until everyone is seated.’

‘I cannot tension all too often that on every formal occasion, whether it is Luncheon, a Bazaar or a gathering, a hat should be worn.’

Written nearly 50 years ago, Barbara Cartland’s Etiquette Handbook conjures up a period when addressing work colleagues by their first brands was frowned upon, wives could be prepared to receive a regular allowance of five shillings off their husbands, and hats were ubiquitous. Laced throughout with Barbara Cartland’s wit and knowledge, and Francis Marshall’s illustrations, that is a wonderfully evocative understanding in to the manners of the England which has largely disappeared.