Rules for Modern Life

Author(s): Sir David Tang

Gifts & Humour

The Financial Times agony uncle answers all the questions about society you never knew you needed to ask The twenty-first century is an age of innumerable social conundrums. What is the correct way to deal with dinner guests who check their emails throughout the meal? Can shorts and sandals ever be acceptable attire for a gentleman? And just what is the correct etiquette if you find yourself sitting next to Julia Roberts on a plane? In Rules for Modern Life, Sir David Tang offers a satirical masterclass in navigating the social niceties of modern life. Whether you're unsure of the correct footwear for shooting or how to look professional in a bath towel, debating the etiquette of doggy bags or installing a massage room in your second home, Sir David has the answer to all your social anxieties - and more besides. Sir David Tang is a businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of China Tang and iCorrect, as well as the luxury clothing brand Shanghai Tang. His address book has been described as 'big enough to call itself a country and join the UN' (Tatler) while The Evening Standard dubbed him 'London's best-connected man'. He is also the resident 'agony uncle' at the Financial Times, answering readers' questions about property, interiors, architecture and gardens - although he often strays beyond his remit to debate concerns about everything from etiquette to grammar. He has homes principally in Hong Kong, mainland China, London and Essex.


Product Information

Incisive, outrageous and preposterously entertaining. Reading these essays in style, manners, gossip, grace and good sense is like sharing a private railway carriage with a mad but marvellous maharajah. I never wanted the journey to end -- Stephen Fry Funny, clever and disgraceful. In terms of a useful guide to modern living, it knocks the New Testament into a cocked hat -- Richard Curtis Excellent advice that we didn't know we needed -- Sir Michael Caine Sir David Tang is the second funniest David in the world -- David Walliams I absolutely love Rules for Modern Life! David's amazing sense of humour and wit keep one glued to this 'pop culture bible' that everyone MUST read. It is not only educational but enlightening as well. Bravo David! -- Tommy Hilfiger David Tang always brings something extra to life, which is what we all want -- Sir Mick Jagger Uncompromising and full of style. You will laugh out loud -- Tracey Emin Sir David Tang is effortless in his sense of style and being. And that's how it should be -- Naomi Campbell I feel a curious joy of life when I am around David Tang. He knows best -- Eva Herzigova A degree course in 21st-century decorum. It will make an aristocrat out of an arriviste -- The Duke of Marlborough Sharply funny and surprisingly informative. I would rather read style notes from the pen of Tang than any other source on the planet -- Joanna Lumley Eloquent and humorous -- Eric Schmidt David is a life-changer -- Mario Testino Filled with valuable advice. Amusingly written and a real pleasure to read -- Sir Terence Conran David Tang is the thinking woman's Fu Manchu. If you are allergic to the combination of wit, brains and mischief you won't enjoy this book -- Barry Humphries A marvellous compendium of good manners and good sense in society, reinforced with insight and sly humour -- Wilbur Smith Anyone who wants to move up the social ladder, or avoid sliding down, must read Rules for Modern Life. It is the essential primer for 21st century social success -- Geordie Greig Hilarious and edifying. Absolutely essential reading about the nuances as well as the complexities of life today -- Dame Julia Peyton-Jones I have long admired David's irrepressible humour, quick wit and keen eye for style. This anthology is a collection of indispensable wisdom -- Lord Norman Foster A perfect compendium of distinguished, humorous and polished advice for a gentlemanly way of living -- Leonardo Ferragamo David Tang has never held a commonplace opinion in his life. He is the most provocative, amusing, sophisticated, counter-intuitive and energetic man I know, and these qualities are present on every single page of this remarkable anthology -- Nicholas Coleridge Wise, witty and wicked, with useful advice for living -- Anouska Hempel David Tang is a living treasure, a unique polymath, equally at ease thinking inside and outside the box, East, West, modern, old, refined or not. His 'rules' are anything but conventional, they are refreshing and humorous reflections on our daily actions, much more than a code of conduct -- Nicolas Berggruen Genuinely hilarious. David was the only person who could make my father laugh (and who incidentally rated him and only him as being at his level as a club owner) -- Robin Birley David Tang is an astute observer of the social scene with a wicked sense of humour. A most welcome read in these dark times -- Adrian Zecha David Tang is my 'UNCLE DAVE': Unique, Notorious, Charismatic, Lovable, Eccentric, Daring, Anal, Vivacious, Enigmatic -- Kate Moss

Sir David Tang is founder of the China Club, Shanghai Tang and China Exchange. Prior to his career in business he taught philosophy at Peking University. He writes a weekly column for the Financial Times, in which he answers readers' questions about property, interiors, architecture and gardens - although he often strays beyond his remit to debate concerns about everything from etiquette to grammar. He lives in Hong Kong.

General Fields

  • : 9780241258514
  • : Penguin Books Ltd
  • : Portfolio Penguin
  • : 0.567
  • : November 2016
  • : 198mm X 129mm
  • : December 2016
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Sir David Tang
  • : Hardback
  • : 1216
  • : 395
  • : 224
  • : VSC