Since 1990, Philip Howard has presided over The Timess' wildly popular 'Modern Manners' column, answering readers' questions on contemporary etiquette and acting as confidant and gleeful guide to those attempting to navigate the minefield of manners. In this exuberant collection, the author offers solutions to such modern mysteries as: Should you always take a gift to a dinner party and, when you are there, should you turn off your mobile phone? How do you get rid of unwanted guests without causing offence? Clever, informative and often hilarious, Modern Times is the perfect companion to modern life.