cover image Town & Country Social Graces: Words of Wisdom on Civility in a Changing Society

Town & Country Social Graces: Words of Wisdom on Civility in a Changing Society

. Hearst Books, $17.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-1-58816-080-5

Civility is ""under assault,"" says Town & Country editor-in-chief Pamela Fiori, and in a collection of the magazine's columns, Town & Country Social Graces: Words of Wisdom on Civility in a Changing Society, she and 46 other writers share their views on manners. Cokie Roberts and Steven V. Roberts tell how consideration for each other, such as using a tiny book light so as not to keep the other one awake, has kept their marriage strong. Anne Bernays speaks about grandparent-grandchild relations, and Wendy Wasserstein explains her point of view on proper theatergoing behavior. This compact book, edited by Jim Brosseau, lacks only author biographies. (Aug.)