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A guide to life that reclaims the word “lady”—and calls for a return to the respect and civility that are sorely lacking in modern life
“Lady”: the word brings to mind a host of associations, probably many undesirably restrictive and outmoded. And best-sellers like A Return to Modesty, For Common Things, and even The Rules tout a return to traditional values that for most modern women sounds more like a return to the bondage of the nineteenth century. No, thank you.
Enter The Art and Power of Being a Lady. Civility, grace, elegance, self-respect, and respect for others–all of these are qualities exemplified by powerful women, not doormats. They are timeless values that some of our greatest icons—from Rosa Parks and Audrey Hepburn to Oprah Winfrey and Madeleine Albright—have exemplified. These traits serve a lady in all of her doings—from throwing a spectacular dinner to giving a speech before the House of Representatives to getting her significant other to do the dishes. Being a lady is about knowing what you’re worth and about knowing you shouldn’t be asked to do everything. It’s about rewarding those who do you a good turn and knowing that the best response to the rest of them is to rise above it. It is the grace that makes a busy life easier, and the power to say no when it’s necessary. In that light, being a lady sounds pretty good. The Art and Power of Being a Lady is the book that will help every woman achieve it.
“A dashing and entertaining little book.” —Liz Smith, New York Post
“Make no mistake: real ladies aren’t elitist, prissy or superficial. As this book explains, ladies are leaders, champions, and role models. Regardless of your age, race, religion, appearance, or sexual orientation, there’s no excuse NOT to be a lady today. . . . And that’s the only “rule” you need to know!” —Billie Jean King, tennis legend, founder of Women’s Sports Foundation and president of World Team Tennis
“Women will love, appreciate, and use this book in their daily lives–but men really need to read it!” —Julianna Margulies, actress
“I was halfway through this book when I realized I’m a man. However, I loved it anyway.” —Steve Martin, actor/writer
“Isn’t it wonderful to envision the return of real “ladies’ to our society? Wouldn’t that be fantastic? With with and charm and their own distinctly modern twist, these two young authors set out to explain why and how women should aspire to being ladies, because they are definitely coming back into style!” –Letitia Baldrige, former social secretary to the Kennedy White House and author of A Lady, First and Letitia Baldrige’s Complete Guide to the New Manners for the '90s
Noelle Cleary is a freelance writer and consultant living in Los Angeles. She has been a chief writer/editorial consultant for several high-profile Internet companies including living.com, macmall.com, zones.com, and fitnessheaven.com.
Dini von Mueffling is a journalist who has written for major newspapers and magazines and has produced for television news programs. She cofounded the nonprofit AIDS education foundation Love Heals.