The Art and Power of Being a Lady

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.

Author: Noelle Cleary,Dini Von Mueffling
Publisher: Grove Press
Published: 08/27/2002
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.42lbs
Size: 7.24h x 5.58w x 0.20d
ISBN: 9780802139412

About the Author

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.