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Fun book. George Washington actually used these rules while commanding troops and leading the country. The wording of concepts is also funny. We took turns reading the rules and deciphering them. He was a really complex, unique and disciplined man. We could use another one like him right now.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I bought this book for my 8 year old who is an American Revolution/Founding Fathers history buff, but has standard 21st century 8 year old boy manners. Written by George Washington himself at age 14 this book lists over 100 rules of civility and decent behavior that were common in Colonial America. Most still apply today. Organized in list format (of course) it is suitable to reading one item or all 100+ in one sitting. Written in old fashioned speech, so some of the items we have had to explain to our son, but most are easy to figure out what is being said ("spit not in the fire", etc.). Great insight into 18th century manners!
This is a very small hardback 30 pages long that could have been written in just a few pages with more compact printing. The recommendations were made long ago, so some of the issues are non-problems today, such as where to take your place near the warming fireplace. Even so, the majority of the rules are of value because they are concerned with human interaction. Old George's rules would be considered too difficult and to straight-laced for modern folks, but there are pearls of wisdom scattered throughout.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This book is a very interesting look back at the different society we had here in America during Colonial Times. We apparently had a well defined class system in those days. One in which everyone understood, and was comfortable with their own place in that society. Unfortunately the world in which George Washington's rules apply no longer exists. Many of the rules from this time, the ones not regarding social status, could still be applied to modern time. If today you were to accept and applly the manners used by Washington you would be considered by most to be an unusually polite, well mannered and and gracious person. Your Mother would be very proud of your behavior! People would find your company enchanting. In George Washington's time everyone acknowledge their own place in society, and treated others according to their rank in that society. Washington felt that there was a vast array of his superiors and his inferiors. Today even the most under educated, unpleasant, unemployable, alcoholic derelict believes that they are entitled to the same respect shown for a person of true value and worth to their community. This book has made me aware of the fact that "political correctness" is not necessarily correct. In George Washington's time you could earn a higher place in society, by being a better, more worthwhile person. Today's society the people expect more respect than they have earned, and for no reason other than they are there and can breath. I see Washington's time as being a better time because the people would strive to make themselves into better people, and were not content just being handed more respect than they deserve. I enjoyed this glimpse of a better time, and I will try to apply Washington's rules for life to my own life when they can be applied. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
It’s great to know that Washington held to and expected the same morals that some of us still hold to today. I really believe everyone should read this. Truly a great and honorable man.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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