The Duchess Who Wouldn't Sit Down

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From novelist and gracious host Jesse Browner comes a captivating exploration of the true motives behind our acts of hospitality. While we often view hospitality as a simple act of generosity—providing food, drink, and honor—there are deeper, sometimes darker motivations at play. Browner's insightful and witty guide redefines the art of entertaining through a historical lens. He takes us on a journey through Western civilization, beginning with a contemporary poker game where his delectable sandwiches leave the best players broke, and extending back to the ancient Greeks, whose divine beings judged mortals based on their hosting skills. Along the way, we encounter notable figures such as Hitler, who lectured guests on vegetarianism at his summer retreat; Gertrude Stein, a masterful hostess in Paris; and Lady Ottoline Morrell, whose gatherings were less successful. We also witness the extravagant feasts of Louis XIV at Versailles, where he meticulously controlled court behavior, and the Roman emperors, who entertained with lethal consequences. As engaging and enlightening as a delightful evening among friends, this book is essential reading for anyone who has ever accepted an invitation or pondered the reasons behind sending one.