Review of “Honor & Respect” from Library Journal

Hickey, Robert. Honor & Respect: The Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address. Protocol School. 2008. 576p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-615-19806-4. $75. REF

    A reference source on forms of address is a standard in all types of libraries. The best known is probably A&C Black’s Titles and Forms of Address: A Guide to Correct Use, which will be in its 22nd edition in 2009. This work is the Protocol School of Washington’s first attempt at compiling such a guide, and it is well worth the wait. Hickey, deputy director of the school, has written the most extensive guide to honorifics and titles available.

     Part 1 (“Terms, Style & Use”) provides an extensive glossary of terminology, offices, and agencies, as well as information on the use of various forms of address.

     Part 2 (“Forms of Address”) supplies entries on how to address private citizens, professionals and academics, military personnel, diplomats, clergy, officials in the United States, and British, Canadian, Australian, and International officials. Each entry includes the address for an official envelope, a letter salutation and closing, an address on a social and inside envelope, the form for a place card, an introduction, and guidance for addressing one in conversation.

     Part 3 (“Country Names & Officials”) lists the official names of each country and how to address top officials. Other features include a section on precedence and joint forms of address.

     The organization is clear, the layout is clean with plenty of white space, and each entry heading is in large, bold type with adequate spacing between entries.

     Although most library patrons will have little use for information on the correct forms of address for foreign dignitaries, the tips on the use of badges and place cards, letters, and introductions are of general interest. Brides-to-be, of course, will seek out the instructions on preparing social and inside envelope addresses for private citizens and professionals.

     BOTTOM LINE One doesn’t need to update this type of reference book often, but this one is made to last and well worth the price. An essential purchase for all libraries. [Available in print only.]

                 — Rosanne M. Cordell, Indiana Univ. Lib., South Bend

Review date: December 2008

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