An infectiously funny guide to post-deflowerment decorum, with illustrations by a master of the absurd.


For more than half a century Miss Hyacinthe Phypps has been offering guidance on proper behavior. Her simple rules of propriety and common sense have helped a generation of girls over the threshold to womanhood. Recognizing the need that prevails more today than ever before, Miss Phypps has been persuaded to bring back into print this priceless volume of her words of advice, delightfully accompanied by Edward Gorey’s ink and watercolor illustrations, that have been so valuable on so many occasions. It is the publishers’ fondest hope that this book will serve the current generation of young ladies as it served their mothers.