Nella B. Henney
he Book of Business Etiquette was written by author Nella Henney’s, who’s goal in writing this book was to introduce the basics of appropriate business etiquette to the American masses at a time when more and more people were joining the white-collar workforce. The book begins with a general introduction to the new American businessman. The author’s light-hearted approach to the subject is apparent early, describing the businessman as, 'not so dashing perhaps as a knight in armor or a soldier in uniform, but he is not without the noble (and ignoble) qualities which have characterized the tribe of man since the world began. Following this brief introduction, the book tackles a series of specific aspects of etiquette, from table manners and telephone etiquette, to proper manners while travelling and large-group dining behaviors. While the book seems primarily directed at men, Henney concludes her work with a chapter specifically for the working woman. Business etiquette is constantly evolving, and what may have been considered good etiquette in the 1920’s is no longer the norm. Thus, the real value of this work is the portrait it paints of a specific time in history. Reading Henney’s work will transport you back to the roaring 20’s, that brief postwar time where business was booming and thousands of Americans entered the white-collar workforce for the very first time.
