Galateo: Or, The Rules of Polite Behavior Hardcover – June 7, 2013

Didn't retain very much information

We would all do well to heed the advice in Galateo --"Every action of ours, instead, must suggest reverence and respect toward the company we keep," as we make our way through the 21st century. This delicious little book resonates with good sense, attention to the subtleties of social life, and kindliness of expression. M. F. Rusnak's translation enhances Giovanni Della Casa's voice without intrusiveness while retaining the delightful aspects of the work. It is a pleasure to read this book, which transcends time and place. Don't miss the impressive scholarship of M. F. Rusnak's introduction.

A kind of guidebook to manners, Galateo is a delightful read. As a previous reviewer suggested, dip into it anywhere--it needn't be read in sequential order. It is not a novel, though it reads with the ease of one. Rusnak is a smooth and fluent translator. And his introduction is written with a scholar's care, and helpfully provides Renaissance context to Galateo's savory advices. The price is right, too, for a university press book presented in such a fine format.

It reads like a curmudgeon going on and on about other people's annoying habits. That's more or less what it is, in fact. Curmudgeonly or not though, many of the observations seem as relevant today as they were when it was written. It's too short and disorganized to serve as a definitive guide to manners, but it's a fun read.

Historically speaking it is a great read. Guess the felling when you touch the first ever manual on polite behaviour and good manners. I truly recommed it to all those in need of a pigmallion touch in their lives.

Truly represented time period with good hints for reenactors

The work provides an interesting perspective into the mind of an Italinan Renaissance nobleman reguarding everyday behavior. It also demonstrates how that daily behavior differs from today's accepted behaviors. The concept of politeness changes over time.

No phony business here. Just solid, time-tested advice on how to get ahead in social circles. If you want to be a Renaissanceman today, read what a Renaissance man says.

Loved this read! For those who care.

Traduit de l'italien en anglais, ce livre du 16e siècle sur les bonnes manières est encore d'actualité, et d'un humour délicieux.

If you are interested in this sort of thing, this little book is full of infobits. I would recommend this to any historian.