Critique de Booklist

When it comes to questions pertaining to formal etiquette and official protocol, it is always best to consult the experts--Emily Post (Emily Post's Etiquette), Letitia Baldridge (Complete Guide to New Manners for the '90's and Complete Guide to Executive Manners), and Mary Jane McCaffree and Pauline Innis (Protocol: The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic and Social Usage). These guides, especially when used together, will provide the answers to etiquette for levels of formal entertaining--from friends and business associates to the diplomatic corps and foreign heads of state. In the event that these experts are not readily available, and the etiquette question pertains solely to forms of address--invitations, correspondence, introductions, place cards, name tags--Houston International Protocol Alliance's Forms of Address is the source to consult. It contains the same information (only differing in presentation format) as the sections on titles and forms of address and addressing people properly in the McCaffree and Baldridge guides. It is more comprehensive than the related section in Emily Post. Forms of Address is a straightforward, down-to-earth, clearly illustrated handbook. It is ideal for quick or at-a-glance reference. Using the theory of one item to a page, each title or position examined takes up an entire page of illustrated examples. There is no guesswork when it comes to letter, envelope, or place-card layout. Men and women holding high positions are treated equally. Each example explains the format to be used, regardless of the gender of the VIP or VIP and spouse/guest. All bases are covered, be it "Dr. and Dr.," "Dr. and Mrs.," "Dr. and Mr.," "Mrs. Clinton" or "Hillary Rodham Clinton," and more. "Her Highness," "Their Highnesses," "His/Her/Your Excellency," apostolic delegates, all faiths, sects, nations, commoners, collegians, and others are included. Nothing is left to chance. Users of this handbook will have no excuse for ignorance. A must purchase for most libraries. (Reviewed December 15, 1994)