a favorite book

"A gentleman tucks his undershirt into his undershorts."

"A gentleman never writes personal letters on his business stationary."

"When a gentleman wears a vest, he leaves the bottom button undone."

These are some of the examples of gentlemen's etiquette in John Bridges' essential book, "How to be a Gentleman" - available through Brooks Brothers.

"If a gentleman wants his guests to leave, he puts the liquor away."

The first time I read the book, I cackled and snorted-- something a gentleman should probably avoid doing in social settings. The book was hilarious, but at the same time, it was riveting. I knew about some of the do's and don'ts but many others were new to me. Even the advice that seemed silly at first made sense in the end, and that made the book even more enthralling.

"A gentleman stands up when he is introduced."

There are several books in the series, one about raising a gentleman, one about how to know the appropriate things to say in various situations, and one about how to be a good host. The original books are small, pocket manual size, richly finished with blue leather covers and gold-edged pages. The rich finish, for me, is part of the gag. There are also more recent, expanded editions available. Every gentleman should have a copy of this book!