6 Essential Etiquette Books for Beginners to Build Confidence

Top experts Darrell Royal, Ben Crenshaw, and Lizzie Post recommend these approachable Etiquette Books for newcomers

Updated on June 26, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

Starting out in the world of etiquette can feel daunting, but every expert in this field began just where you are now—curious and eager to learn. Etiquette isn't about rigid rules; it's about fostering respect and confidence in social situations, whether on the golf course, at a dinner party, or while traveling. These 6 carefully selected books make learning approachable, focusing on practical advice that grows with you.

Experts like Darrell Royal, a National Football Hall of Fame member, and Ben Crenshaw, a two-time Masters Tournament champion, recommend guides that clarify the nuances of golf etiquette—essential for anyone stepping onto the course for the first time. Meanwhile, Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, brings a fresh, modern perspective to social manners, blending tradition with today’s evolving cultural norms.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Etiquette book that meets them exactly where they are. This way, you can build skills that fit your unique path with confidence.

Darrell Royal, a member of the National Football Hall of Fame known for his endurance playing 36 to 54 holes a day, recommends this book for its clear lessons on pace of play and course conduct. He emphasizes how it teaches you when to walk, when to talk, and how to stay in rhythm as an enjoyable partner. This practical advice resonated with Royal as slow play has grown into a problem that only better etiquette can solve. Joining him, Harvey Penick, author of a classic golf instruction book, notes that if every golfer followed this guide, it would ease the work of golf professionals significantly.

Recommended by Darrell Royal

National Football Hall of Fame member

In the past I've been known to play 36 and 54 holes a day, and know the meaning of pace of play. This book teaches golfers how to do it: when to walk, when to talk, and how to keep up, how to be a more enjoyable partner. Slow play wouldn't be the problem it's become if everyone read this book.

Golf, Etiquette, Pace Of Play, Course Behavior, Playing Through

What started as a way to clear up confusion on slow play evolved into a concise manual that demystifies golf etiquette for players at all levels. Barbara Puett and Jim Apfelbaum, both deeply embedded in the golf community with hands-on teaching and media experience, offer clear guidance on everything from proper attire to the nuances of playing through and managing pace. You’ll find helpful diagrams and photos that make it easy to grasp subtle courtesies that can transform your experience on the course. Whether you’re new to golf or looking to polish your game’s social aspects, this book shows you how to be respectful without slowing down the fun.

View on Amazon
Best for understanding modern cannabis etiquette
Lizzie Post is the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-president of the Emily Post Institute. With a Bachelor of Science in Art Education and a national platform sharing etiquette advice, she brings a thoughtful, beginner-friendly approach to cannabis etiquette. Her expertise makes this book a clear guide to navigating the social landscape of legalized marijuana, blending traditional etiquette with the nuances of cannabis culture.
2019·176 pages·Etiquette, Cannabis Culture, Social Norms, Gift Giving, Dispensary Etiquette

Unlike most etiquette books that focus on traditional social graces, Lizzie Post brings a fresh lens to the evolving culture of cannabis use. Drawing from her deep family legacy and role at the Emily Post Institute, she guides you through navigating dispensaries, gifting cannabis, and attending pot-friendly gatherings with respect and confidence. You'll learn about different consumption methods, social dos and don'ts, and how to avoid common faux pas like mishandling joints or offending hosts. This book suits anyone curious about cannabis etiquette, whether you're a newcomer or looking to understand modern social norms around weed more thoughtfully.

View on Amazon
Best for custom confidence building
This AI-created book on social etiquette is crafted based on your background, comfort level, and specific goals. By sharing the social skills you want to focus on and your current experience, you receive a book tailored just for you. This personalized approach makes learning etiquette approachable and paced to your needs, helping you build genuine confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
2025·50-300 pages·Etiquette, Etiquette Basics, Social Confidence, Personalized Learning, Communication Skills

This tailored book on etiquette mastery reveals a personalized journey through the essentials of social skills and confidence building. It explores foundational etiquette principles, gradually introducing concepts matched to your background and comfort level. The content emphasizes developing social confidence and ease in various settings, encouraging steady progress without overwhelm. By focusing on your specific interests and goals, it creates a learning experience that respects your pace and nurtures authentic social interactions. With a tailored approach, this guide covers key etiquette topics from introductions and body language to dining manners and conversational grace. It helps you build practical social skills that empower genuine confidence in personal and professional contexts.

Tailored Guide
Confidence Building
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for learning broad social manners easily
Judith Martin, born a perfect lady in an imperfect society, is the author of the “Miss Manners” columns and best-selling books, two novels, and a travel book on Venice. She and her husband live in Washington, DC. Her decades of experience observing social behavior and delivering witty advice shape this book, which offers a beginner-friendly and thorough approach to understanding etiquette in everyday life.
2005·864 pages·Social Customs, Etiquette, Manners, Communication, Party Planning

Judith Martin, widely known as Miss Manners, brings decades of cultural observation and wit to this extensive guide, born from her experience writing etiquette columns and books. You’ll explore how social norms evolve and which traditional behaviors still matter, navigating everything from thank-you notes to party invitations with clarity and humor. The book offers detailed insights into contemporary social customs, with chapters that dissect common misunderstandings and conflicting advice, making it particularly useful if you want to confidently handle tricky social situations. This is a book for anyone looking to understand the rules behind polite behavior without feeling overwhelmed by rigid formality.

View on Amazon
Best for new travelers seeking smooth journeys
Travel Etiquette: Airports, Airplanes & About offers a refreshing approach to an often overlooked topic—how to maintain courtesy and common sense in the stress-filled environment of modern travel. Drawing on Michael Lynn’s extensive experience with the Special Air Mission, the book lays out a clear, user-friendly framework that helps you navigate everything from check-in lines to the challenges of sharing close quarters on a plane. This guide is ideal for anyone new to travel or looking to refresh their manners amid today’s unique challenges, including pandemic considerations. It addresses the daily realities travelers face and the unspoken rules that can make your journey smoother and more respectful.
2022·144 pages·Etiquette, Travel, Air Travel, Airport Behavior, In-Flight Conduct

What started as an effort to restore civility in travel became Michael Lynn's practical guide filled with insights from his decade on the Special Air Mission crew, flying U.S. presidents and dignitaries. You’ll learn specific behaviors that smooth air travel, from TSA lines to in-flight conduct, including how to handle common annoyances like armrest battles or disruptive fellow passengers. The book’s chapters break down each travel phase with clear examples, such as packing checklists and etiquette during a pandemic, making it accessible for both frequent flyers and novices. If you want straightforward guidance on maintaining good manners and ease during your journeys, this book has what you need, though it’s less about theory and more about everyday travel situations.

View on Amazon
Best for first-time tennis players' court conduct
Tennis Etiquette Quick Reference offers a focused look at the unwritten rules that govern player and spectator conduct on the tennis court. This slim guide distills essential etiquette into a straightforward format, making it an ideal starting point for newcomers eager to understand what’s expected before, during, and after a match. Its practical approach, drawn from the author's contributions to firstroundtennis.com, ensures that juniors, league members, and club players can quickly grasp and apply key behaviors that promote respect and sportsmanship. This book fills a niche in etiquette literature by addressing tennis-specific social protocols with clarity and ease.
2017·32 pages·Etiquette, Sportsmanship, Tennis Rules, Player Conduct, Match Preparation

Unlike most etiquette guides that address broad social settings, Thomas Kay's experience as a contributor to firstroundtennis.com shines through in this concise manual focused solely on tennis court conduct. You learn not just the expected behaviors during play, but also subtle pre- and post-match customs and spectator tips, all distilled into an accessible 32-page format. This book suits anyone stepping onto the court for the first time or those responsible for teaching juniors and league members, offering clear, practical rules without overwhelming detail. If you want a quick yet thorough primer on tennis etiquette that’s easy to reference and share, Kay’s guide delivers exactly that.

View on Amazon
Best for confident etiquette learning
This personalized AI book about fundamental etiquette is created after you share your background, current knowledge, and areas of interest. It focuses on teaching manners in a way that suits your skill level and learning pace, which is especially helpful for beginners. By tailoring the content to your comfort zone, it avoids overwhelming you with too much information at once. This AI-created book is designed to make etiquette approachable and relevant, helping you build confidence gradually in social situations.
2025·50-300 pages·Etiquette, Etiquette Basics, Social Manners, Communication Skills, Dining Etiquette

This tailored book offers a personalized journey into fundamental etiquette principles designed specifically for newcomers. It explores core manners with a gentle, progressive approach that matches your background and comfort level. By focusing on foundational concepts, it removes the overwhelm that often accompanies learning etiquette, allowing you to build confidence at your own pace. The content is carefully tailored to your interests and goals, ensuring you engage with relevant social skills that resonate personally. This book reveals how etiquette enhances respect and ease in everyday interactions, from casual conversations to formal settings, making your learning experience both accessible and enriching.

Tailored Guide
Confidence Building
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for new golfers needing concise guidance
Golf Etiquette: An Essential Guide stands out as an accessible entry point into the unwritten rules that govern golf conduct. This book appeals especially to newcomers by offering a clear and respectful approach to learning proper behavior on the course. It covers everything from basic attire to the nuances of different game formats, helping you avoid common pitfalls that can disrupt play or offend fellow golfers. Whether you're just starting out or want a gentle reminder, this guide helps you navigate the fairways with confidence and respect, making it a valuable companion for anyone stepping onto the greens.
2023·43 pages·Etiquette, Golf, Sportsmanship, Course Maintenance, Player Conduct

What started as a simple need to clarify golf conduct grew into this focused guide from HC Designs, which breaks down the essentials of golf etiquette with clarity and respect. You’ll learn everything from proper attire and respectful behavior on the tees to navigating different game formats without disrupting play. This book lays out a straightforward pathway for beginners to feel confident on the course, while also serving as a gentle refresher for seasoned players. Its concise chapters on course maintenance and player interactions highlight how etiquette enhances the enjoyment of golf for everyone involved. If you want a practical introduction that respects tradition without overwhelming detail, this is tailored for you.

View on Amazon

Beginner Etiquette: Your Personal Guide

Build social confidence with tailored etiquette learning at your own pace.

Personalized learning paths
Focused skill building
Confidence through practice

Thousands of etiquette beginners started with tailored guidance

Etiquette Mastery Blueprint
The Etiquette Starter Code
30-Day Etiquette System
Confidence in Etiquette Secrets

Conclusion

These 6 books collectively emphasize a beginner-friendly approach that builds your etiquette skills progressively and practically. If you're completely new, starting with the clear, concise golf and tennis etiquette guides sets a strong foundation. For broad social skills, Judith Martin's witty and thorough "Miss Manners' Guide" offers invaluable insights.

Travelers will find Michael Lynn’s "Travel Etiquette" a refreshing companion for smooth journeys, while Lizzie Post’s work introduces respectful modern manners with a contemporary tone. For a step-by-step progression, move from specific sports or travel etiquette books toward broader social etiquette volumes to build confidence in varied settings.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Etiquette book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in every social interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Golf Etiquette Second , Revi edition" if golf interests you, or "Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior" for broad social skills. Both are approachable and build solid foundations for beginners.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Etiquette?

Not at all. These books are chosen for their beginner-friendly style, clear explanations, and practical advice, making them accessible even if you're just starting out.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with focused guides like golf or tennis etiquette if you have specific interests, then expand to broader social etiquette books such as "Miss Manners' Guide" for wider understanding.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Either works well here. Classics like "Miss Manners' Guide" offer timeless advice, while newer books like "Travel Etiquette" address modern scenarios. Choose based on your interests.

Will these books be too simple if I already know a little about Etiquette?

They’re designed to accommodate beginners but offer insights valuable even to those with some experience, helping reinforce and refine your skills.

Can I get etiquette guidance tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! While these expert books provide a solid base, you can also create a personalized Etiquette book customized to your learning pace, interests, and goals for a focused and efficient experience.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!