Regency Culture and Society: Men and Manners

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Last year, we shared a series: Regency Culture and Society: 9 Maxims for Life by a Lady . 

This year, we present Men and Manners, Maxims for life by a Gentleman (Men and Manners ; Or, Concentrated Wisdom. 4th Ed. Much Enlarged, 1809).  Although they seem like they are fairly genderless in their recommendation.

Here are the first fifteen:

FIRST Remove the tax upon sugar by using only one lump to sweeten your tea instead of two 2 Paint the steps of your staircase a stone colour it will save scouring and soap 3 When cards have been twice played with send them to the bookbinder to be cut at the edges 4 Do not suffer your rooms to be littered but always keep your tables and chairs in their proper places 5 Weigh your tea sugar and Shambles meat when it comes in
6 Take thetradesman's receipt though you pay ready money 7 Early rising will add many years to your life 8 Dine late it makes the day longer and saves an expensive supper 9 Allow no perquisites it makes your servants thieves 10 Look now and then into your kitchen and larder and always know what is for dinner 11 Be regular in keeping your accounts It will secure your husband's esteem 12 If you have daughters teach them to knit and spin and keep the family accounts 13 Keep no servants that have hangers on
14 As you cannot overtake Time the best way is to be always a few minutes before him 15 Leave your purse and watch at home when you go to the playhouse or an auction room

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