This month we have an interesting book found at the Internet Archive.
by De Valcourt, Robert
Publication date 1866
"If a woman fancies that she looks better or
feels better in men's clothes, there is no reason
why she may not indulge in so harmless a fancy. It
is done freely and frequently on the continent of
Europe. The author of Consuelo, for years, wore
a masculine dress in the streets and cafes of Paris,
whenever she chose to do so. Miss Weber, an ex-
cellent and highly accomplished woman, in Belgium,
in all societies wears no other. Some American
ladies of late have done the same, in defiance of the
laws. We do not see that any moral or proper
legal question is involved in this ; or, if the dress is
neat and becoming, convenient to the wearer, and
pleasant to others, that it is a breach of good man-
ners. It is a simple question of good and evil. If
the amount of happiness, immediate or ultimate, is
increased by any costume, it is right to wear it."
INTRODUCTION,
The Publishers of the "Illustrated
Book of Manners " have much satis-
faction in offering the following pages
to the public inspection.
They ask more than a cursory
glance at head lines and engravings;
for it is a work of a higher use and greater importance
than any one would be likely to suspect, from a slight
and superficial examination.
It treats of a subject of universal interest and utility.
Every man, woman and child, ought to know how to
dress, act, converse and respond to the varied demands
of our social relations, in the best possible manner. Our
whole life and society needs re-forming, educating, re-
fining, and polishing, to bring out its highest use and
beauty.
Life is made up of little things; little acts, little
courtesies, little enjoyments. He who has most of these,
gives most pleasure to others, and secures most happiness
to himself.
Do not say, these things are trifles, and of no import-
ance. It is worth every man's study and effort to be a
gentleman; and every woman should try to be a lady,
particularly in a country where public gallantry accords
to every one that designation. The many things which
combine to form the manners and guide the deportment
of the lady and gentleman, greatly increase the sum of
human happiness.
The author of this work has earnestly endeavored to
make it a great public teacher, and reformer, in all the
outward decencies, proprieties, graces, and accomplish-
ments, which fit men and women for the enjoyment of
social life; and as society is a natural want of humanity,
and the source of all his most exquisite pleasures, sure-
ly it is right that he should carefully avoid every thing
that will interfere with social happiness, and eagerly
cultivate every talent and accomplishment, that will
enhance its pleasures.
The illustrations have been selected from the works of
various artists; and are intended to contrast grac*e and
elegance, with awkwardness and deformity. In many
cases, the advice of the text is enforced by a picture in
ludicrous contrast; and the intention of the engravings
can only be understood by the careful reader. It would
have been easy to fill a book with beautiful designs, but
these would not have taught the lessons of life, which
it was our intention to impress vividly on the mind of
the reader.
This book is intended to be read, and even carefully
studied, in course, from the first chapter to the last.
Some chapters may be more worthful than others, but
each one contains its Life Lesson, and all combine in one
harmonious whole, in their influence upon the character
and actions. The author has endeavored, everywhere,
" To make the useful pleasant, and the pleasant useful."
The Publishers of the "Illustrated
Book of Manners " have much satis-
faction in offering the following pages
to the public inspection.
They ask more than a cursory
glance at head lines and engravings;
for it is a work of a higher use and greater importance
than any one would be likely to suspect, from a slight
and superficial examination.
It treats of a subject of universal interest and utility.
Every man, woman and child, ought to know how to
dress, act, converse and respond to the varied demands
of our social relations, in the best possible manner. Our
whole life and society needs re-forming, educating, re-
fining, and polishing, to bring out its highest use and
beauty.
Life is made up of little things; little acts, little
courtesies, little enjoyments. He who has most of these,
gives most pleasure to others, and secures most happiness
to himself.
Do not say, these things are trifles, and of no import-
ance. It is worth every man's study and effort to be a
gentleman; and every woman should try to be a lady,
particularly in a country where public gallantry accords
to every one that designation. The many things which
combine to form the manners and guide the deportment
of the lady and gentleman, greatly increase the sum of
human happiness.
The author of this work has earnestly endeavored to
make it a great public teacher, and reformer, in all the
outward decencies, proprieties, graces, and accomplish-
ments, which fit men and women for the enjoyment of
social life; and as society is a natural want of humanity,
and the source of all his most exquisite pleasures, sure-
ly it is right that he should carefully avoid every thing
that will interfere with social happiness, and eagerly
cultivate every talent and accomplishment, that will
enhance its pleasures.
The illustrations have been selected from the works of
various artists; and are intended to contrast grac*e and
elegance, with awkwardness and deformity. In many
cases, the advice of the text is enforced by a picture in
ludicrous contrast; and the intention of the engravings
can only be understood by the careful reader. It would
have been easy to fill a book with beautiful designs, but
these would not have taught the lessons of life, which
it was our intention to impress vividly on the mind of
the reader.
This book is intended to be read, and even carefully
studied, in course, from the first chapter to the last.
Some chapters may be more worthful than others, but
each one contains its Life Lesson, and all combine in one
harmonious whole, in their influence upon the character
and actions. The author has endeavored, everywhere,
" To make the useful pleasant, and the pleasant useful."
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