THE LIPSTICK PAPERS BOOK REVIEW (MICHEL FOUCAULT AND JANE AUSTEN FACE-OFF)

ETIQUETTE is probably as old as human history; there have been set rules on manners and how to behave in specific circumstances since the dawn of civilization. Etiquette changes with time -- in the Homeric, heroic world, for instance, newly-arrived guests had to be given a bath with aromatic oils. We don't do this anymore, as shower or bath have become things we do in the privacy of our own home. This is The Lipstick Papers Book Review, and tonight we have The Little Pink Book of Etiquette!

This is a lovely little book with basic etiquette rules and know-how on all subjects, from dining to dating to greetings, introductions and job interviews! 

The book was written by Ruth Cullen in 2005, with illustrations by Kerren Barbas. It is a very tasteful edition, printed on glossy paper, and with elegant illustrations, including a LIPSTICK illustration! Pink is everywhere, making the book exceedingly pretty!

I find the rules useful -- did you know that, at table, you have to break your bread into bite-size pieces in order to eat? The book has a section on perplexing foodstuffs too. 

The one flaw in the book is that it is too brief. Yet, it is called the "little" book of etiquette, so it does not pretend to be anything else but a brief guide. Besides, all the advice is pithy and to the point.  

Michel Foucault, Elizabeth Langland, Pierre Bourdieu, Michel de Certeau and all theorists studying discourse and discipline (in the case of Foucault he did not study discourse, he actually defined and coined the term) -- all of them, make a field day of etiquette books. They teach social discipline and control. Yet, as Jane Austen would say, manners and rules are essential to any meaningful form of social living. Personally, I am obsessed with etiquette books!

(I am obsessed with books in general).

Have a good night, always with beauty and a book! xxx