The Nice Girl's Guide to Good Behavior

First published in 1935, this subversive tome purports to be a classic etiquette guide to good behavior for young women. Yet hidden beneath its civilized tone is a classic satire that provides a dubious blueprint for becoming the "right" sort of girl. From razor-sharp lessons in female one-up-manship ("I'm sure this would fit you. It's vast on me") to absurd dating instructions ("If a particular friend has not telephoned you for over a week, this can mean one thing only. He is afraid of being a nuisance. Common courtesy insists that you ring him up and reassure him.") this tome's "advice," coupled with charming period photographs, is as timely and amusing as ever.

Monica Redlich was an English journalist, author, and social commentator whose books included The Pattern of England, Jam Tomorrow, Summer Landscape, and Danish Delight. She died in 1963.