An Uncommon History of Common Courtesy : Customs, Quirks, and Social Snafus Around the World

"Say Please and Thank You" gives a lively insider's look at dos and don'ts down the street or halfway around the world. Every day we encounter situations in which we follow, often without question, conventional rules or folk wisdom in order to maintain hidden social norms or not give offence. Around the world, these have slight but often significant differences - what can be acceptable in one country can be a horrible gaffe in another. With engaging and artfully presented text, including sidebars on media experts throughout history, social gaffes, and archaic manners, this book is as entertaining as it is informative. It includes topics such as Courtesies and Greetings, Communication and Correspondence, Dining and Entertaining, Hierarchies and Protocol, Hospitality and Occasions, Amusements and Institutions, Boundaries and Cultural Differences, New Technology and Old Manners. Whether you are planning a trip abroad or just want a fascinating, to browse through, find out what is universal and what is merely a product of one's own culture.