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Regency Etiquette

The Mirror of Graces (1811); or The English Lady's Costume

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About this listen

 This book, written by a woman who wished to remain anonymous, covers the social customs and manners of her time, the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the times of Jane Austen and of Napoleon. It is devoted in large part to the "English lady's costume" but also covers deportment, movement, the correct dances, propriety, and aids to beauty and health.

"Naturally, a 'Lady of Distinction', in coy anonymity, has written it. But this book was no joke in Regency times, and much of the advice would have been taken very much to heart....The style of writing of this period can only be described as flowery; everything is padded out with endless adjectives, adverbs, and classical references. So one receives the following advice: 'Again, I repeat, the libertine, the gross Epicurean, may feast his imbruted gaze upon a form so stripped of decency; for he is a creature whose senses are bent to the earth and the basest offerings are his banquet.' This, apparently, is the result of leaving too much shoulder showing!" (Anne Woodley, editor, Regency Collection On-Line)

This audiobook will be especially indispensable to anyone interested in the times of Jane Austen, of English Regency, of Napoleon, the early United States, and the War of 1812.

(P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks Europe English Etiquette
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If you like Georgette Heyer's novels you will enjoy this book. Apart from the social history itself, with the kind of daily details seldom given (the corsetry section alone is a real eye-opener) it is beautifully read, by an excellent speaker who seems to be offering guidance in the most appropriate way. If you are not used to listening to fact books, this could be a really good start.

Fascinating social document

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