title: Sorry!: The English and Their Manners
author:  Henry Hitchings 
description: Although most people have some idea of what good (or bad) manners are, its less likely they know where they come from. Hitchings addresses that through a comprehensive historical review, with some fun tidbits along the way. He brings the perspectives of the past to bear on customs of the present, using examples from writers such as Samuel Pepys, Lord Chesterfield, and Fanny Trollope. This rambling examination is concerned only with English manners, not those of other British countries. Hitchings is affectionate toward typically English mannerisms such as tactfully saying one thing, when meaning anotherwhen told, We really must have lunch sometime, does anyone believe itll actually happen? The book contains some illuminating examples of how manners are a social construct and can vary widely across cultures. The tour of manners encompasses living conditions, language, social structures, innovations, and philosophy throughout centuries. This is not a book of etiquette instruction, but deconstruction. For those who wish to dig deeper into the myriad forces at work behind polite customs, large and small, the book is sure to please. --Bridget Thoreson
zlib_text: **Chapter One**
  
  THREE VISITORS ARRIVE
  
    
  
  Fanny! shouted Mr Kirrin, running up the stairs with a letter in his hand.
  FANNY! Where are you?
  
  Here, dear, here, helping Joan with the dusting, said Mrs Kirrin, appearing
  out of a bedroom. Dont shout like that. Im not deaf, you know. Whats the
  matter?
  
  Ive a letter here from that old friend of mine, Professor Hayling, said Mr
  Kirrin. You remember him, dont you?
  
  Do you mean the man who came here to stay a few years ago, and kept
  forgetting to come in for meals? said Mrs Kirrin, flicking some dust off her
  husbands coat.
  
  Fanny, dont flick at me like that, said Mr Kirrin, crossly. Anyone would
  think I was covered in dust. Listen - hes coming to stay today for a week -
  instead of next week.
  
  Mrs Kirrin stared at her husband in horror. But he cant do that! she said.
  George is coming home today - and her three cousins with her, to stay. You
  know that!
  
  Oh - Id forgotten, said Mr Kirrin. Well, ring up and tell 