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compassrose's review
At its best when distilling the products of what does appear to be thorough research (along with considerable experience in living history); at its worst when introducing that research with the particular flavour of jocular Britishness that is so witty when done well, and so dreadfully annoying when not. (From the opening of the chapter on alcohol: "To drink or not to drink, that is the question. Whether it is ruder in the pub to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous refusal, or taking up the pot, drown your reason in ale.") This unfortunate choice lends what is otherwise an interesting little book on a relatively niche bit of social history an unnecessarily schoolkiddish tone. A detailed survey of 16th and 17th century English social mores, etiquette, and behaviour.
tamaru22's review against another edition
3.0
When the book was interesting, it was quite so. At times, when expressing examples though, it seemed to run long. All in all, I'm happy to have read it and it's skim-worthiness may only be a reflection of my degree of interest in the subject matter.
kingarooski's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting account into manners in Tudor England, showing us that what was considered rude back in the 16th Century is quite likely to be rude today. My version was narrated by the author herself and this added to the appeal of the book: the reading was full of energy and meaning and Ruth Goodman's excellent sense of humour showed through. As I make my way through the Matthew Shardlake series, this was an excellent book to read as it gave more insight into Elizabethan and Tudor society.