Helen Valentine (1) (1893–1986)

Better Than Beauty was originally written in 1938 (for example, one section mentions having a date under three dollars-someting that would be difficult to pull off today), and thus this explains why some of the advice may seem dated. However, the charming drawings remain cute and original, and the advice can be applied to any decade.

Topics in Part One covered include how to dress, wear one's hair and look well-groomed. Part Two deals with manners, charm, relating to others, and how to be a good hostess/guest/all-around person.

A timeless, cute read that has a well-deserved place among etiquette books on today's bookshelves.… (más)

Written during that brief but magical time at the end of the Depression and right before the onset of WWII, Better Than Beauty offers the reader a perspective on style, manners and charm that isn't readily found in modern etiquette manuals. Some of the advice and information is certainly dated (i.e., where and when it is polite to smoke), but overall this is a wonderful little read that encourages self awareness and promotes a return to 'old fashioned' civilities. If for no other reason, read Better Than Beauty for the little slice of yesteryear it offers.… (más)