Ars Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to "The Easy Chair"

Name: Ars Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to "The Easy Chair"
Author: George William Curtis

By George William Curtis

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Essays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

This collection gathers reflective essays that examine personal conduct, public manners, and civic responsibility. Topics include college extravagance, hazing, and the risks of secret-society initiations, together with discussions of theatre etiquette, women's dress, and the health and social effects of tobacco. Additional pieces address duelling and newspaper ethics, using anecdote and historical example to illustrate points. The author argues for moderation, courtesy, and moral restraint in private habits and public institutions, advocating small reforms in everyday life as a path to broader social improvement.

About the Author

George William Curtis

George William Curtis (1824-1892) was an American author, social critic, and public speaker known for his essays and literary contributions. He gained prominence through his work in "The Easy Chair," a popular column in Harper's Monthly, where he explored various social and cultural issues of his time. Curtis's notable works include "Ars Recte Vivendi," a collection of essays that reflect his views on ethics and living well, and "The Potiphar Papers," a satirical novel that critiques contemporary society. His writings often emphasized the importance of moral integrity and social reform, making him a significant figure in 19th-century American literature.