Detractors will argue that a book like this is only common sense, but unfortunately, our society today has been influenced by the "grunge-activists" so that good manners in word and deed are disappearing. Bridges and Curtis touch on such mundanely topics as shaking hands with the elderly, with ladies, etc., writing (a lost art) of thank you notes, giving and receiving compliments, opening doors for others, answering a phone (and cell phone usage), table manners, making introductions, etc. These and all are essential in the business and professional world.Good manners in what one says and does is always appropriate: putting others before oneself. While there will certainly be variations, the untaught and unsure cannot go wrong by going by their "letter of the law." jhr