Judith Martin, born a perfect lady in an imperfect society, is the author of the “Miss Manners” columns and best-selling books, two novels, and a travel book on Venice. She and her husband live in Washington, DC.

"Wonderfully wicked...A bracingly sensible guide to living peaceably together." -- Francine Prose "Wryly perceptive [and] historically informed." "Peerless...analyzes every aspect of American life and the rituals that both define and undermine our culture." "A well-argued essay that describes a specifically American etiquette." "A fascinating genealogy and spirited defense of our rough-and-ready American manners." "[Martin] has made etiquette writing an exercise in wit." "A quick and entertaining romp through American history and mores. Highly recommended." "Incisive...Amusing." "A well-reasoned and insightful treatise on the American character, and the American character's manners." "A fascinating account of how we have arrived at the standards of etiquette we follow-or disregard-today. Those who pay attention will be rewarded with keen insights." "Filled with good and fun education. It's a romp with a reasonable justification to why we do what we do." -- Maggie Ramirez "[Martin] has a keen eye and merry wit."