The Rituals of Dinner: The Origins, Evolution, Eccentricities and Meaning of Table Manners

The Rituals of Dinner by Margaret Visser is a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of how people eat, gather, and behave at the table. Visser examines the origins and development of dining customs, revealing how table manners reflect history, culture, religion, class, hospitality, and social expectations.

From the use of utensils and seating arrangements to serving traditions, conversation, and ceremonial meals, the book uncovers the hidden meanings behind everyday habits. Visser also considers unusual customs from different societies and explains how rules of dining have changed over time.

Rich in history, anthropology, and cultural observation, this book is an engaging choice for readers interested in food history, social customs, etiquette, and human behaviour. It offers a fascinating look at why dinner is about much more than food and how the table remains one of the most important places where society expresses its values.

Paperback, Very Good.  Has The Bookstore stamp along with someone's name and year on the first inside page.