27 Best Etiquette Books to Read Now

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Etiquette is always evolving. What was accepted as polite and the norm a century ago, or even a decade ago, may no longer be. "Etiquette is way more than just which fork and knife to pick up, it is all about social intelligence," etiquette expert Myka Meier told Town & Country. "Etiquette is all about kindness, respect, consideration, and putting others first."

There's books now on general etiquette, but also table manners, weddings, hard conversations, manners for kids, and so much more. So, if you'd like to understand modern manners, here's a guide to the 27 best etiquette books to read in 2023:

Emily Post's Etiquette, The Centennial Edition (Emily's Post's Etiquette)

Emily Post has been the definitive source on etiquette for over a century, and last year, her descendants Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning published an updated version of her etiquette guide, including modern day manners, from tech etiquette to tipping practices to classics like table manners.

Manners Begin at Breakfast: Modern Etiquette for Families

Marie-Chantal of Greece, a mom of five and founder of her eponymous children's clothing brand, penned this guide to etiquette for families and children. In the introduction, the royal writes, "My aim is for this to be a book that reminds us all—including myself—of the manners we might have forgotten."

Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers

The classic Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers still holds up—for teens and people of all ages. It's a step-by-step guide to meal times, and filled with advice on conversation, silverware, and dress codes.

A Kids' Guide to Manners: 50 Fun Etiquette Lessons for Kids (and Their Families)

Manners for kids aren't just saying "please" and "thank you," as Katherine Flannery's guide points out. This book includes 50 essential manners, and for kids, there are interactive quizzes and practice exercises.

I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

Mónica Guzmán's informative guide is how to have difficult conversations in our modern era. Per the publisher, "Whether you're left, right, center, or not a fan of labels: If you're ready to fight back against the confusion, heartbreak, and madness of our dangerously divided times—in your own life, at least—Mónica's got the tools and fresh, surprising insights to prove that seeing where people are coming from isn't just possible. It's easier than you think."

Manners: A Modern Field Guide

This modern field guide to manners is divided into five extremely helpful categories: At Home (family life), At Large (think, public transport and "petiquette"), At Play (social life), At Your Computer (digital manners), and At the End (around illness and death).

The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette: 50th Anniversay Edition

First published in 1952, Nancy Dunnan and Nancy Tuckerman updated Amy Vanderbilt's Book of Etiquette, a "guide to gracious living." She was a midcentury etiquette excerpt, and her syndicated column reached millions of readers.

Mr. Boddington's Etiquette: Charm and Civility for Every Occasion

Weddings, gift-giving, social events, hosting, and more, is covered in this delightful etiquette book featuring the fictional Mr. Boddington.

Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You

Did you know the United States has a chief of protocol? Capricia Penavic Marshall, who served in the role for President Barack Obama, pens this book on diplomatic protocol, and how it can apply to your every day life.

Modern Manners: Instructions For Living Fabulously Well

This coffee table book features articles from UK magazine The Gentlewoman, featuring seven topics that range from "Modern Conundrums" to "The Unmentionables."

The Illustrated Histories of Everyday Behavior: Discover the True Stories Behind the 64 Most Popular Daily Rituals

This guidebook is more than just etiquette—it dives into the history of key social norms. Readers learn why guests aren't meant to show up to a party empty-handed, or the background of the "Golden Rule."

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief, 3rd edition

First published in 1876 by General Henry M. Robert, Robert's Rules of Order is a guide to meetings, committees, organizations, and all things parliamentary procedure. It also offers advice on how to participate effectively.

Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World

Medieval people had surprisingly great etiquette, as Danièle Cybulskie dives into in Chivalry and Courtesy. She argues that medieval etiquette can improve our modern lives today.

What If Everybody Did That?

This picture book, for kids ages 3 through 7, is an early introduction to manners, as a young boy makes irresponsible choices (dropping a soda can out the window, feeding popcorn to bears at the zoo...) and adults ask him to reflect what would happen if everybody did that.

Would It Kill You to Stop Doing That? A Modern Guide to Manners

Henry Alford's more humorous take on etiquette brings readers with him as he travels the world to try and understand modern manners. As the publisher writes, "Troubled by the absence of good manners in his day-to-day life—by the people who clip their toenails on the subway or give three-letter replies to one's laboriously crafted missives—Alford embarks on a journey to find out how things might look if people were on their best behavior a tad more often."

George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation (Little Books of Wisdom)

Yes, the first-ever president of the United States, George Washington, wrote an etiquette book of 110 rules for gentleman. He based them on rules written by French Jesuits in 1595, and they had a strong influence on Washington throughout his life and career.

Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior

Miss Manners, a.k.a. Judith Martin, has long established herself an authority on etiquette. This updated guide is billed as an "indispensable manual to navigating life from birth to death without making a false move."

Modern Etiquette Made Easy: A Five-Step Method to Mastering Etiquette

Myka Meier, who trained under a member of Queen Elizabeth's household authors this five-step method to etiquette, featuring easy how-to chapters on subjects like networking, being a good party guest, and table manners.

Guac Is Extra But So Am I: The Reluctant Adult's Handbook

This book is meant for young adults in their twenties, navigating post-college life. Sarah Solomon offers snarky, funny, and helpful advice on topics such as careers, online dating, and weddings.

The Art of the Handwritten Note: A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication

Handwritten letters should not be a thing of the past; Margaret Sheherd's The Art of the Handwritten Note takes readers through crafting every type of letter, from congratulations to condolences.

Modern Manners: Tools to Take You to the Top

Actress Liv Tyler teamed up with her grandmother, etiquette expert Dorthea Johnson, on this guide to 21st-century manners—job interviews, social events, and more.

Modern Etiquette for a Better Life: Master All Social and Business Exchanges

Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is meant to teach readers on how to feel confident in any situation, be it in the office or attending a baby shower.

The Ladies' Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness

Florence Hartley first published an etiquette guide for ladies in 1860. Though it's nearly 150 years later, much of her 19th century advice for women still holds up—and the bits that don't are just fun to learn about, like how to spot a lady who had laced her corset too tightly.

In the Royal Manner: Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales

Paul Burrell, a footman for Queen Elizabeth and a butler for Princess Diana, authored this guide on etiquette and entertaining from a royal perspective. During his 22 years of service, Burrell writes in the introduction, he was "fortunate to witness the ultimate in stylish and elegant entertaining."

The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes

Part cookbook and part etiquette guide, The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits takes a Southern approach to manners.

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, published in 2014, is the comprehensive guide to modern weddings, including advice on blending traditions and dealing with awkward family situations.

Connoisseur Kids: Etiquette, Manners, and Living Well for Parents and Their Little Ones

Connoisseur Kids is a guide for parents and their children on communication, tidiness, health, and more manners. To be engaging for little ones, it features games, exercises, recipes, and fun songs.

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