Cecil B. Hartley was an American author and social commentator known for his works that addressed the norms of gentlemanly conduct and historical biographies. His most notable work, 'The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness,' published in the mid-19th century, served as a comprehensive guide for men seeking to navigate the complexities of social interactions with grace and decorum. This book not only reflected the values and expectations of the Victorian era but also provided insights into the evolving concept of masculinity and social responsibility during that time. In addition to his focus on etiquette, Hartley authored biographies that captured the lives of significant historical figures. His 'Life of Daniel Boone, the Great Western Hunter and Pioneer' chronicled the adventures of one of America's most iconic frontiersmen, highlighting Boone's role in the westward expansion of the United States. Similarly, 'Life of the Empress Josephine, Wife of Napoleon I' offered a glimpse into the life of a woman who played a crucial role in the political and social landscape of her time. Through these works, Hartley contributed to the understanding of American history and the complexities of personal relationships in a rapidly changing society, solidifying his place as a notable figure in 19th-century literature.
“The stops point out, with truth, the time of pause A sentence doth require at ev'ry clause. t ev'ry comma, stop while one you count; At semicolon, two is the amount; A colon doth require the time of three; The period four, as learned men agree.”
“It is ill-bred to put on an air of weariness during a long speech from another person, and quite as rude to look at a watch, read a letter, flirt the leaves of a book, or in any other action show that you are tired of the speaker or his subject. In”
“intoxication of anger, like that of the grape, shows us to others, but hides us from ourselves, and we injure our own cause in the opinion of the world when we too passionately and eagerly defend it.”