 |  | | | The Art of Ingeniously Tormenting | 17 Apr 2006 | | |
Designed to be an antidote to the rules for self improvement set out in the popular etiquette books of this period, Jane Collier's "An Essay on The Art of Ingeniously Tormenting" of 1753 is a bitingly amusing social satire, a handbook of anti-etiquette and a comedy of manners.
Collier describes techniques for "teasing and mortifying" those around us by taking advantage of people's affections and goodwill. Aimed primarily at wives, mothers and mistresses, The Art indicates the difficulties women experienced exerting their influence in public and private life, and the ways they overcame these problems.
As a new edition of Collier's book is published, what does The Art reveal about the realities of 18th century daily life for women and how relevant is it for modern life? Jenni Murray is joined by Katherine Craik, who wrote the introduction to the new edition, and writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, author of "The Done Thing: Negotiating the Minefields of Modern Manners".
"An Essay on The Art of Ingeniously Tormenting" by Jane Collier, edited with an introduction by Katherine Craik, published by Oxford University Press. | |
| | Retired? Downsizing? Moving home to be nearer the kids?We'd like to hear your stories about moving house |
|
