Forgotten Elegance: The Art, Artifacts, and Peculiar History of Victorian and Edwardian Entertaining in America

I have a rather extensive reference library on Victorian silver and other related topics. This book, by far, is one of my very favorite about high-style Victorian & Edwardian dining & entertaining.It provides a good overview of all aspects of the periods' food (including wine), table setting details, and table etiquette. One of my favorite section is the one devoted to silver service, but the authors also cover so much more, including crystal, china, seating & dining etiquette, meal service, the calling card & invitation, and even tips on hosting a Victorian or Edwardian dinner, plus more.One overall attribute of this book, which I especially appreciate, is that it is totally accurate in the information provided. Oddly enough, finding reference books on this subject that are not littered with misinformation is rather uncommon. The book is also written and organized extremely well. It includes a glossary, an index, and an excellent bibliography for further reading that is arranged by subject (i.e. silver, china, glassware, dining history, dining etiquette, table setting, etc.).Don't be put off by the higher price of this volume -- it's better and more thorough compared to half-a-dozen or more related reference books. Believe me, it's definitely worth the asking price, and it's a nice, well-bound hard-cover with pictorial glossy boards -- no dust jacket to have to keep track of or handle gingerly -- and it's not too heavy but just the right size to curl up with and enjoy. Because of the price, I did not buy this book immediately upon its release, but I'll really glad I eventually did buy it. It was NOT a disappointment, unlike far too many of the other reference books on this subject that I've bought in the past.After reading one other reviewer's comment about not enough dazzling pictures, perhaps I should point out that this is NOT a coffee-table-style picture book. However, there are plenty of black & white pictures and illustrations that accompany the text. I did not find anything lacking.Really, I cannot say enough "good" about this book. I am totally happy with it. Huge praise for the authors, and thank you for such a great book! 5-STARS.

The book is a valuable resource. I bought the book used so I knew it would not be perfect. However, the merchant mailed it to me in a flimsy plastic bag. The corner of the bag was ripped and the book cover was dug up and damaged at the rip. Now, it did not effect the readability of the book, but darn it, I purchased it with a certain expectation. I did not purchase it more damaged than described. When I wrote the merchant and mentioned that perhaps a heaver mailing container might be a better choice, I received a defensive and vague reply. If given the choice, I would not purchase from this merchant again. The book is a definite purchase however. I am using it for research into Victorian etiquette, specifically table etiquette.

Was a gift, can't say

Finally!!! I have been looking for an affordable copy of this book for a long time. It is one of the best guides to China, glassware, and silver used at table in the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

A good resource, but not as scholarly cited as I'd have liked.

What a great book, great information, wonderful images and easy to read. A must for anyone who wants to know more about social history. A must for your bookshelf.

Good

Sorry, ladies, but "boorish masculine conversation" is terribly offensive. Would you write, in a different book, perhaps, about "boorish black conversation"? One is as offensive as the other.That's where I stopped reading. I have sons, and a husband, and none of them are "boorish."Your writing, however, could be described as "whiny feminine conversation."