The Nice Girls Guide To Good Behavior by Monica Redlich

First published in 1935, this subversive tome purports to be a classic etiquette guide to good behavior for young women. Yet hidden beneath its civilized tone is a classic satire that provides a dubious blueprint for becoming the “right” sort of girl. From razor-sharp lessons in female one-up-manship (“I’m sure this would fit you. It’s vast on me”) to absurd dating instructions (“If a particular friend has not telephoned you for over a week, this can mean one thing only. He is afraid of being a nuisance. Common courtesy insists that you ring him up and reassure him.”) this tome’s “advice,” coupled with charming period photographs, is as timely and amusing as ever.