“Always remember that during your lifetime, the rules of etiquette may change, but courtesy and good manners will always be important.” – from Chapter III, Daily Courtesies

Since the early 1900s the students of a small Dominican School in Northern California received a little book containing simple rules for “the art of living.” Written by Sr. Mary Mercedes, O.P., this handbook shows how small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can help us regain the joy of living. This timeless book combines compelling epigraphs from a diverse pool of great writers and thinkers (including Homer, Oglala Sioux Chief Flying Hawk, and Eleanor Roosevelt) with hings on everything from the art of introductions to suggestions on how to be a good guest, write a letter of condolence, or set a dinner table. As the world becomes increasingly indifferent to social rules, the sense of etiquette that we once took for granted is fast disappearing. A Book of Courtesy provides a charming, beneficial antidote to this dilemma, restoring the Golden Rule to its rightful place of honor and proving that good etiquette never goes out of style. Here is a practical, reliable guide to proper conduct in every situation.