Century scoops 'authoritative' British etiquette guide from William Hanson

Century has scooped William Hanson’s "witty and authoritative" British etiquette guide Just Good Manners. 

Zennor Compton, editorial director for non-fiction, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Harriet Poland at CAA for publication on 12th September 2024. 

In Just Good Manners, Hanson, dubbed "Britain’s freshest and most trusted authority on etiquette", shares his "definitive" guidance on modern British etiquette and customs with his "inimitable dry humour". 

The publisher continued: "What is the correct way to queue at the bar? Why exactly do the English say sorry so much? Nowhere makes a fuss about manners quite as much as the UK, yet no-one can seem to agree on precisely what the ‘done thing’ is, either. William Hanson, world-leading etiquette expert is on a mission to reclaim the British crown of good manners." 

Hanson is also the director of The English Manner, an etiquette training institute, and is also known for his work as co-host of the podcast "Help I Sexted My Boss". He commented: "This is the book I have always wanted to write. To have the space and freedom to find a sensible balance between what has been accepted for many years (much of which can be easily adapted to life today), what is a load of outdated rubbish, and where new advice is needed." 

Compton said: "In Just Good Manners, William brings the world of British etiquette into the 21st century, celebrating the best bits and giving the rest a much-needed update. He writes with both authority and humour and is an endless source of anecdotes and advice. Everyone on the Century team is delighted to be working with William again. I can’t wait for him to charm thousands more readers with his next book."