In the hapless chaos of our age, the art of manners- as opposed to etiquette, which Crisp sees as a "class system based on snobbery and exclusion"- is more important than ever before. Manners, he tells us, "are a means of getting what you want without appearing to be an absolute swine," and here he explains with his customary wit and deadly accurate insight how to bring manners into all aspects of day-to-day life: entertaining, conversation, family, friendships, and sexual relationships. Discarding the current reverence for sincerity and truth-telling, Crisp extols the subtle art of euphemism and the virtue of the lie- "the basic building blocks of good manners." People "should never be asked to put up with our natural selves or see us as we really are, ever!" Quentin Crisp's caustic commentary, biting satire, and unrelenting humor make Manners from Heaven essential reading for his fans- and an excellent introduction for the unCrisped.
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