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Rating: 
Summary: Not quite what her grandmother wrote...
Review: Change, as my dear husband noted, is morally neutral -- neither good nor bad in itself.
However, I think I prefer the older versions of _Etiquette_, in part because I loved Mrs. Kindhart and Mr. Gilding and Mrs. Oldname and all of the other marvelous people that populated the earlier books (pseudonyms for the friends to whom Emily Post dedicated the original 1922 book). My old friends seem to have been ruthlessly murdered in the "modernized" version.
In addition, Peggy Post seems to countenance "innovations" that I believe the original author would have scorned, such as inviting "John Smith and Guest," without bothering to find out whom your supposed friend is seeing these days and whether or not this is a person whom you would actually want to invite (your brother's ex-wife? Your boss's wild daughter? The employee you fired? The potential is endless).
But beyond that, there is something missing in the style. It carries the cachet of the time-honored Post name, but less of her wit and sparkle.
I think Emily Post may have had fun writing her book, and Peggy Post may have thought it uphill work -- or perhaps her writing was excellent originally and her editors created hash from it; at any rate, the writing style is less formal than I hoped (the informality subtly reduces its authority), and it sometimes reads like a committee bickered over each phrase, and occasionally like no one was particularly paying attention.
So I am somewhat disappointed, but primarily because I adored the earlier versions; doubtless there are many who prefer the new version for exactly the reasons that I dislike it.
I also note on the author's website that the 17th edition was released on October 26, 2004, so perhaps if you choose to read a "modern version," you will want to get the most recent.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't be misled by the Emily Post name!
Review: I am very disappointed with this book. One refers to an Emily Post volume to learn what is proper, not what is commonly done. Unfortunately, this volume offers the latter.
Rating: 
Summary: better than ever
Review: I bought this book for my mom as a gift!. She absolutely loved it and thanks me every day for it. So if your mom is dedicated housewife like mine and entertains quite a bit, this would be an excellent gift to her!
Rating:
Summary: A manual for manners in this modern day and age...
Review: I find this book to be a valuable tool to help navigate the often-complex world in which we live. It provides guidance in a whole host of areas, from gracious dining to the business world, from protocol for visiting the Pope to dealing with employees in your home. It covers a broad spectrum of situations, and helps to ensure that the right decisions are made, and that behavior is polite and proper.The book is broken down into the following sections: Formalities; Your Personal Life; Your Professional Life; Communications; Travel & Tipping; Entertaining and Entertainments; Celebrations and Ceremonies; Gifts, Giving, & Thank-Yous; and Weddings. Each section offers tips and suggestions for making relations between you and others go as smoothly as possible. In this fast-paced world, we need manners more than ever, if only to ensure that life remains civilized, and this book helps determine the best way to proceed if you're unsure. All in all a wonderful reference for anyone who ever has to deal with another human being either socially or professionally. Don't hesitate, buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Get the free version online
Review: I read the 1st edition online (do an internet search) and although it was out-of-date it's advice and insight is timeless. If you obey the rules of that book you still cannot go wrong today. My disappointment might have more to do with how ettiquette has changed than with the book itself. It recommends certain manner that would have been unacceptable to Emily such as introductions and greetings. I would still recommend you buy this book, but definitely read the 1st edition before you do so. The combination of the two will better prepare you to adapt to each situation allowing you to exceed today's standards and impress others.
Rating:
Summary: Prim and Proper
Review: If only manners and traditions like these were practiced in today's day and age. Being a resident of New Orleans I have access to a wide variety of tea houses and alike. Nothing is more fun than visiting a tea house for high tea and knowing how to act and what to do. America is always on a modern road to contemporary life and it's sad. Please reclaim these traditions and buy this book
Rating:
Summary: Manual to good etiquette
Review: This book has great suggestions on everything from how to correctly crack lobsters, to how to use silverware, and what to expect and do when going to a Buddhist temple, Hindu temple, or a synagogue. It tells what should happen to gifts given during an engagement that is broken off, suggestions for brunch menus, and includes a large section on wedding ettiquette. It also provides a good deal of information about traditional customs. The size of the book is rather cumbersome, so it would be best used as a reference manual.
Rating:
Summary: Covers virtually everything
Review: Yes, I liked it and it's the thickest and most highly rated book out there. But, couldn't it cover more informal settings? The kind MOST of us would use it for?
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