Manners for Moderns, Mid-Century Teenage Etiquette Book, 1945

Who wrote it: Manners for Moderns is a 1945 etiquette guide by Kathleen Black, illustrated by North Young and published by Allyn and Bacon, written for teens and young adults navigating the social rules of the day.

What it's about: Organized into chapters like Meat and Drink, Party Lines, and Two by Two, the book covers table manners, dating, dancing, telephone etiquette, and general good behavior, delivered in a breezy, self scoring quiz format that lets readers grade their own manners. It is a charming snapshot of mid century American teen life, published just as World War II was ending.

Special features: This copy carries a handwritten inscription to a young reader named Jerry Day, along with a longer note signed by Enda Mae Sharp explaining that the book was a reward for Jerry's contribution to a school paper drive during the war effort.

Condition: Dark green cloth hardcover with gold and orange stamped decoration, no dust jacket, with a handwritten ownership inscription and note on the front endpapers. Please review all photos carefully, and email me with any questions.

Thanks so much for visiting,
❤️ Jess