The Official Preppy Handbook

THE OFFICIAL PREPPY HANDBOOK, by Lisa Burnback and Co., is as true a classic as the earlier Latin and Greek classics which "preppIES" studIE...er, studY...at their private, expensive, preparatory schools. It is an easily read, easily understood book, filled with real knowledge of the "preppy", (ie: WASP, ie: White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, ie: majorly Super-Wealthy) way of life. It has many photos and drawings, and, though it sometimes stoops to satire, DOES have enough real knowledge of customs, values, and ATTITUDES of the WASPS, (and other wealthy people of other ethnic groups....who just may have become wealthy by adapting and immitating these attitudes and lifestyles), for you to, perhaps, join this elite group yourself, should you so wish. Reading this book in itself won't make you wealthy, of course, (sigh!) -- but it WILL give you an insight into what attitudes to have, (and, pehaps even more importantly, which to AVOID -- at ALL costs), to help make it easier for you to enter this rarefied social strata, (especially at social gatherings....where friendships are formed....!) Reading this book, it is amazing to realize, (or "realiSe" -- Anglicisms and English spelling is, of course, to be desired, when amongst Anglo-Saxon people!), how little thngs have changed since the 1970s, when first it was published. Oh, yes, SOME more old and wonderful stores have gone out of business...but the good news is that at least one of the stores listed as "Gone but not forgotten"...Abercrombie & Fitch.....has happily ressurrected itself! Easily read, this book should become your "second Bible", if it your aim to rise in THE highest society. Try to separate the knowledge from the mere satire....but even in the midst of the satire, there is knowledge here. Some differences I have discerned: W.A.S.P.s seem to RELAX, where as other ethnics are often nervous; W.A.S.P.s will "go with the flow", whereas those from other etnicities might say, "well...I'm not exactly used to doing that....", making everyone uncomfortable....etc. Get TWO copies of this precious book -- one for reading at home, one for reading whilst outside the home. And just to be sure, and to keep angry and/or envious eyes of others AWAY from you, make a paper book-cover, (perhaps of the stock-market pages of today's newspaper), so that you can not only read this book outside of your home, but, (with quiet delight), can practice the "Preppy" art, and value, of PRIVACY! The formal terms "Prep", and "Preppy", derive from the book and movie of the 1970s, "LOVE STORY". Yet the values in this book, (and of W.A.S.P.ishness itself), are far, far older. (Roman patricans, anyone? Ancient Egyptian nobility?) "The Official Preppy Handbook" is, of course, ALSO the inspiration for later, (but only by a few years), classics about ENGLISH preppies -- who are called "Sloans". If you like "The Official Preppy Handbook", you will absolutely go into RAPTURES for "The Official Sloane ranger Handbook", "The Official Sloane Ranger Diary", and the more recent, but no less elegant, "Cooler, Faster, More Expensive". (And don't forget to read "The Royals", by Kitty Kelley). ....................................................... All thoughout my schooling, (at New York City state schools....otherwise known as New York City Public schools), I KNEW there was another world out there, where PRIVATE schools were the first entry-level step. "The Official Preppy Handbook" is my -- and your -- guide to the basic attitudes, ideas, and rituals of this world. Read it always! I do! I herein join the ever-growing chorus of those who want, desperately, for this classic book to be re-printed. I mean, the works of Ovid, and Homer are still repinted -- why not this

This book is timeless. It was written before I was even born and much of it still holds true. Some of the references are dated, but most of the material is relevant and funny. It's a nice book to have out on your coffee table for guests to browse through for some light amusement. I actually paid a little more for "nice" copy of the book. Perhaps it will be a collector's item someday. It is a perfect snapshot of the yuppie suburban family in the 1980's. Seeing as it was written in the EARLY 80's, the material was certainly ahead of its time. J.Crew is still selling madras today, and Lacoste polos are as ubiquitous as ever. The North Face has somewhat displaced LL Bean (mentioned a lot in the book as the "sporty" attire purchased for ski trips..etc). Also SUVs weren't yet on the scene when this book was published.

Required reading for all students going off to study at an Ivy League, especially if you already know you are going to join ΔΚΕ at Harvard or Yale because your dad was an alum. This book will help train you into becoming the right man.

When this book came out in the 80's, I thought it was the best self-help book back in the day. Just graduated out of high school, on to college and this helped me come up with a cool style. It was short-lived but I had so much fun reading the book. However, when I was moving around to college, different apartments, new life, etc., I lost my book. I'll look for it from time to time but never found it. So I found it on Amazon and I'm thrilled to have it back in my stack of books. The service was great, speedy and the book was in great shape. I would buy from this seller again.

A good companion to Paul Fussel's "Class". 😉

What hasn't been said about the Official Preppy Handbook? This loving critique of American WASP mannerisms, style, speach and much else is a great addition to those who want to learn about this unique species. Written in 1980, this work presaged the and help launch the preppy craze of that decade and gave birth to the current "prepster" style among which many have chosen to emulate. No socks? Classic. LL Bean Rubber Mocs? Even in temperate weather. Just as funny as the Official Hipster Handbook and even cooler because the only way is to get a copy is on the second hand market, I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who is interested.

I downloaded the version on my Kindle Fire. I found that rather than being a proper eBook, it it a series of half-page scans from the original printed copy. The image files are rotated 90-degrees meaning I had to change my device settings to be able to rotate it so the text could be read. As the original book is written in two columns and the images are half-page, I have to read half the first column, switch to the next page to read the second half of the column,then switch back to the first page to read the second column. What a poor, might I say half-assed, rendition. Very unsatisfactory rendition.

For a non-American, this is an entertaining book that shows the social structure that I have only encountered through movies. There is something enchanting and fascinating about these social codes that are described in the most humorous and aptly way. The book is old, but I'll suppose the values that are described are in some way timeless. I love the illustrations.

very good condition!

Brilliant very rare book. So much wisdoms. a Great toilet book

Les mutations urbaines

Fun read.

I lived this book in the 80"S, and I wanted to read it again for fun