In Letters to a Young Lady (1789), John Bennett writes: 'If I was called upon to write the history of a woman's trials and sorrows, I would date it from the moment when nature has pronounced her marriageable. ... I should invoke the assistance ofsome guardian angel, to conduct her through the slippery and dangerous paths.' For more than a hundred years before John Bennett wrote these words, certain authors had been assuming the role of guardian angel, conducting young ladies through the 'slippery and dangerous paths' leading to marriage and motherhood. Their instructions are to be found in the body of literature called 'courtesy books.' A courtesy book, according to Virgil B. Heltzel, is a work 'which sets forth for the gentleman (or gentlewoman) first, the qualities or criteria, inherent or acquired, which he must possess; second, his formation (including his various interests, exercises, recreations, and amusements) and his education; and third, his conduct.'