Keeping Up Appearances: Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette for the Socially Less Fortunate

The Brits have a wonderful knack for taking the scripts (or bits thereof), incorporating them into a book ostensibly written by the character herself, and coming up with something fresh and every bit as hilarious as the series itself. Such is certainly the case with Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette.With this book, Hyacinth responds to questions of etiquette from the "socially less fortunate." Her responses and anecdotes (which often contain snippets of dialogue taken from the scripts) are well-seasoned with her own opinions and thoughts; the result is just hilarious. Hyacinth has even included an index for the reader, which contains gems such as "index finger, correct use of" and "husbands, uses of." For the person who just can't get enough of that Bucket woman, this lovely 191-page book, which contains an abundance of black & white photos (scenes from the series) is a must-have. A book to be read and re-read, it is every bit as enjoyable as the series upon which it is based. Highly recommended!

This book is a must-have for any fan of the series "Keeping Up Appearances." The format: Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet", of course) has written this book to help we, the readers, improve our social skills and graces, hopefully avoiding the complications her friends and family have caused her! She cites examples from the first few years of the series of what to do and what not to do (basically, don't do what Onslow does and you're on the right track already)! It is full of photos from the show, and even includes a family tree. A fun item for the Hyacinth fan!

Allow me to inform you that this book is an essential part to any upper class library. It is with great pleasure to read about Hyacinth's life's triumphant moments and her "hoi polloi" moments too. Just the other day, I was informing our Vicar, Father Andy, at one of our numerous candle light suppers, "... This 'Book of Etiquette' is the reason for the wonderful success of our candle light suppers." This book also makes a great gift to those who may be lacking in some of the elements of the aristocracy. Oh, I must pop off now, my pearl-white slim-line telephone in ringing right now and that must be someone very important. Ta ta.

Hyacinth strikes again, only this time you have a little more insight to her thought process. The book is great. It takes the form of Hyacinth dispensing her advice through examples from the show. I can recall the examples, and you seem to gain a greater understanding of the inner workings of her mind. I will not have you reading lower middle class literature, when this is available.

One section title sums up Hyacinth Bucket to a T: "Putting People in their Places." The book is advice to those who aim to be as perfect as Hyacinth. Learn how to deal with brother-in-laws in dresses, sisters with cracked coffee mugs, and how to handle a shirtless Onslow!