A book of dining, flirting, dancing and smoking, celebrating the 175th anniversary of The London Library. A Shield Against the Vulgar. With 19th century fashions constantly changing, but the importance of the baffling social codes entirely rigid, a newly-prosperous and bewildered middle class were in dire need of careful guidance and advice. With the help of his mysterious lady friend, Charles William Day has a kind-hearted mission: 'If these 'hints' save the blush on one cheek, or smooth the path to 'society' of only one honest family, the object of the author will be attained.'