Originally published in 1847, the manual provides important information on mid-nineteenth-century ballroom dance. Following a format utilized by many manuals, the work begins with introductory comments on dance, followed by a description of the French quadrille. This is folllowed by discussion of round dances--the polka, numerous waltzes including waltze à trois temps and waltze à deux temps--as well as steps and figures for another type of quadrille known as the mazurka quadrille. The manual contains eighty-three figures for a series of dance games, called the cotillon (also known as the German or German cotillon). Nine full-page prints by Gavarini enhance the manual. The manual was published in English as The drawing-room dances (1847).

Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as facsimile page images and full text.