Fear and Conventionality

First published in 1914, Fear and Conventionality is a fascinating study of society's conventions, rules, and manners by Elsie Clews Parsons. It explores the very reasons why we have things such as hospitality and social etiquette, with reference to different cultures, history, and much more. Contents include: On Not Talking to Strangers, Travellers, Hospitality: The Guest, Hospitality: The Host, Instructions and Disinfectant Rites, Caste, A Postscript on Chivalry, Acquaintances, Presents, Calling, Entering, Between the Sexes, Marriage, etc. Elsie Worthington Clews Parsons (1875 - 1941) was an American sociologist, anthropologist, folklorist, and feminist. She was famous for studying Native American tribes including the Tewa and Hopi, as well as for helping found The New School. She was elected the first female president of the American Anthropological Association (1941) just before her death. Other notable works by this author include: The Social Organization of the Tewa of New Mexico (1929), Hopi and Zuni Ceremonialism (1933), and Pueblo Indian Religion (1939). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.