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The Butler Speaks: A Return To Proper Etiquette, Stylish Entertaining, And The Art Of Good Housekeeping (2013)

by Charles Macpherson(Favorite Author)

4.37 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0449015912 (ISBN13: 9780449015919)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Appetite by Random House

review 1: I learned a few helpful things from this book (like which cutlery to use at a fancy dining set up: start from the outside cutlery and work your way in!). This book also gave me some insight to the "Downton Abbey" world, through the description of household staff roles, which was very interesting. I kind of wished there were fewer (or none at all) personal anecdotes from the author. I just felt like the personal stories took away from the formal 'handbook'-ness of the book.
review 2: Now that there is a new royal heir for the English throne it might behoove all of us to bone up on our entertaining etiquette and housekeeping art. Who knows, we might someday be called upon to host a royal member of the Windsor family (or a royal personage of another country). Or... more just one’s boss or picky in-law.Actually, I found a lot of good common sense and ideas in this book from a man who has spent over 24 years as a “major-domo for one of Canada’s most prominent families.” And in 2009 he opened the only registered school for butlers and household managers in North America and it seems his students have great prospects for work in private homes and public areas.While there is some repetition in the book it might not be a problem as many may only read certain chapters and not the whole book. I found that I did breeze through some chapters while other chapters I thoroughly read. It depends on the chapter’s focus. As an example, setting a table was interesting but not presenting a calling card. Washing dishes (including how to properly load a dishwasher) and cleaning stainless steel cutlery held more interest than ironing a newspaper (yes, some still do that even today). I loved how to brew a proper pot of tea (with a tea bag or the loose-leaf method) and types of coffee styles but not sure I wanted to learn more about polite table conversation. Types of table service (plates, bowls and glassware included) and how to carve different types of meat was informative but not how to use a knife and fork (American, Continental or European style).A book of knowledge that most of us will find useful in one way or another – especially if you can’t afford to have that special butler or household manager to assist you when you are next called upon to host a party or even royalty. less

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