Emily Post (born Emily Price), was and is considered one of America's foremost authorities on the subject of Social Etiquette. Her name has become almost synonymous with words like manners, taste and etiquette. This author of etiquette manuals, was born on October 27, 1872 in Baltimore, Maryland to architect Bruce Price and wife Josephine Lee Price.
About Mrs. Post's background
Emily was home schooled, although after her family's move to New York, she did attend Miss Graham's finishing school. She lived the life of a privileged socialite and met her husband-to-be, Edwin Main Post, at a ball held at a prestigious Fifth Avenue mansion. They planned and enjoyed a fashionable wedding after which they toured the continent as honeymooners.
The Posts had two sons, Edwin Main Post,Jr. (1893) and Bruce Price Post (1895). Sadly, their marriage ended in divorce after her husband's infidelity led to scandals and talk of blackmail.
The Post Legacy
Mrs. Post began writing once her sons were older and away attending boarding school. A woman consumed with style, she produced numerous articles on the subjects of architecture, interior design and non-fiction short stories. These were published by such magazines as Harper's Choice, Scribner's and The Century. Her novels included the titles: Flight of a Moth (1904), Purple and Fine Linen (1906), Woven in the Tapestry (1908), The Title Market (1909) and The Eagle's Feather (1910).
In 1922 she seemed to find her niche. Her book, Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home became a best seller. This book, which has been continuously updated has remained popular for decades. Beginning in 1931, Mrs. Post hosted several radio programs in addition to writing a column on good taste for the Bell Syndicate and by 1932 her daily column was appearing in over 200 newspapers around the country.
In 1946, she founded The Emily Post Institute which continues her work. From their website, the Emily Post institute describes their mission as follows.
"Founded in 1946 by Emily Post and her son Ned, The Emily Post Institute, Inc. (or EPI for short), continues to promote etiquette and civility in America and around the world. Spanning five generations, this family business maintains and evolves the standards of etiquette that Emily Post established with her seminal book Etiquette in 1922. Manners change over time and vary depending on location and culture. The Emily Post Institute studies this evolution. Acting as a social civility barometer, EPI elucidates new manners for today's world based on core values of honesty, respect, and consideration."(www.emilypost.com)
Emily Post definitely left a legacy of commitment and ideals to her family. The institute operates primarily from an office in Vermont and continues to maintain a 25 book collection, as well as columns in publications such as Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, American Association of Retired People, USA Weekend, The Boston Globe, and Brides.com. The family also regularly hosts and conducts etiquette seminars and trainings, often partnering with businesses and non-profits alike in an effort to keep the subject and practices of etiquette relevant to the broadest audience possible.
Although Emily Post died in 1960 at the age of 87, her work continues through a host of relatives and students who were trained and mentored in the ways of social etiquette by her writings, programs and example.
Check out more Emily Post Etiquette Tools
Emily's Christmas Gifts, is a new book which deals with the etiquette on gifting during the Christmas holiday. The book was written by Cindy Post Senning, Ed.D. and Peggy Post. Through the use of this children's book the author's hope to highlight the importance of the priceless gifts of kindness and consideration which "...don't cost a cent." (Post, Post Senning) The book has an accompanying doll that may be purchased separately. This is a great book to share with parents of small children or for anyone who needs a little reminder that Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.
Meet Peggy Post
Peggy Post is the Co-Director of the Emily Post Institute, Inc. She has written fourteen books on etiquette, including eight for children(which she co-wrote with her sister-in-law, Cindy Post Senning). A nationally recognized authority on the subject of etiquette, she is a sought after speaker and advice columnist which is featured in the Good Housekeeping magazine. Peggy is also a frequent guest on national radio and television. She has appeared on, Today, Dr. Phil, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Good Morning America. Check out her book, Excuse Me, But I Was Next. In it she offers advice on the top 100 manners dilemmas.