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The Duchess Who Wouldn't Sit Down

An Informal History of Hospitality

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  • 240pages
  • 9 heures de lecture

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From novelist and gracious host Jesse Browner comes a captivating exploration of the true motives behind our acts of hospitality. While we often view hospitality as a simple act of generosity—providing food, drink, and honor—there are deeper, sometimes darker motivations at play. Browner's insightful and witty guide redefines the art of entertaining through a historical lens. He takes us on a journey through Western civilization, beginning with a contemporary poker game where his delectable sandwiches leave the best players broke, and extending back to the ancient Greeks, whose divine beings judged mortals based on their hosting skills. Along the way, we encounter notable figures such as Hitler, who lectured guests on vegetarianism at his summer retreat; Gertrude Stein, a masterful hostess in Paris; and Lady Ottoline Morrell, whose gatherings were less successful. We also witness the extravagant feasts of Louis XIV at Versailles, where he meticulously controlled court behavior, and the Roman emperors, who entertained with lethal consequences. As engaging and enlightening as a delightful evening among friends, this book is essential reading for anyone who has ever accepted an invitation or pondered the reasons behind sending one.

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The Duchess Who Wouldn't Sit Down, Jesse Browner

Langue
Année de publication
2003
Reliure
(rigide),
État du livre
Très bon
Prix
6,99 €

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Titre
The Duchess Who Wouldn't Sit Down
Sous-titre
An Informal History of Hospitality
Langue
Anglais
Publié
2003
Format
rigide
Pages
240
ISBN10
1582342970
ISBN13
9781582342979
Séries
Catégories
Description
From novelist and gracious host Jesse Browner comes a captivating exploration of the true motives behind our acts of hospitality. While we often view hospitality as a simple act of generosity—providing food, drink, and honor—there are deeper, sometimes darker motivations at play. Browner's insightful and witty guide redefines the art of entertaining through a historical lens. He takes us on a journey through Western civilization, beginning with a contemporary poker game where his delectable sandwiches leave the best players broke, and extending back to the ancient Greeks, whose divine beings judged mortals based on their hosting skills. Along the way, we encounter notable figures such as Hitler, who lectured guests on vegetarianism at his summer retreat; Gertrude Stein, a masterful hostess in Paris; and Lady Ottoline Morrell, whose gatherings were less successful. We also witness the extravagant feasts of Louis XIV at Versailles, where he meticulously controlled court behavior, and the Roman emperors, who entertained with lethal consequences. As engaging and enlightening as a delightful evening among friends, this book is essential reading for anyone who has ever accepted an invitation or pondered the reasons behind sending one.