Manners from Heaven: A Divine Guide to Good Behaviour

Before I read Quentin's book, I lived my life as one whom he describes in the book; I ran about willy nilly, living others' lives as if they were my own, suffering from their disasters as much as they did. I frittered away enough personal energy to light several skyscrapers, and wondered why I was so very drained all the time. Taking an interest in others' lives, WITHOUT becoming emotionally involved, literally, saved my life. I have learned from Quentin that I can just listen to mere acquaintances, many of whom are drama addicts looking only for a forum, and then move on to what truly interests me. This is not being shallow; this is protecting yourself from those takers of the world, who, as Quentin says, "...are infinite and insatiable." This practice of tuning out the banal has allowed me to have the energy to devote to my husband, son and family, who deserve my energy. I employ "Crisperanto" and the little white lie, nearly every day of my life. This has protected me and given others the satisfaction of being heard. Instead of standing on my head to avoid the takers of the world, I have learned to assertively and diplomatically put them off. If I could, I would require that this book become part of school curriculums the world over. Members of the Senate, Congress, and the President should be coached, DAILY, in the art of "Crisperanto." Using "Crisperanto" could very well have prevented the "need" to go to war, at various and sundry times in our country's history. I will continue to honor Quentin's memory by using "Manners from Heaven" as my bible.

Quentin Crisp is the only writer on social behaviour able to discern manners from etiquette. Miss Manners, Emily Post or any of the other "society" ladies have never been able to make this distinction. He is also the only writer (in other works) able to clearly define style, so it is evident that we must pay attention. Rather than prattle on about how to behave in such-and-such a situation, he gives general guidlines for good behaviour using witty and entertaining anecdotes. This is not a reference book (as well a book on etiquette might be), but a lively discussion of manners, of how to make others feel welcome in your presence.

Mr Crisp has (with the help of co-writer John Hofsess) written a fine guide to manners in the troubling modern age, with all its noise and haste, where what once was impolite or unthinkable is now enpowering. Crisp sees a world devouring itself, and sees good manners and civility as a way of rectifying this. His chief point - that manners are a way of getting what we want without appearing an absolute swine. They are a way of making everyone happier and more comfortable, rather than a dusty old set of exclusionary rules.The language is fluid, dare I say crisp, and overflowing with wit, and has the authoritative, wisened, grandfatherly tone of one who has seen it all. It is caustic and by no means conventional - for example, he feels that telling the truth all the time is not the best idea for smooth social relations - "The lie is the basic building block of good manners."Concise, knowing, acid and honest.