The Official Preppy Handbook (1980) is a satirical reference guide edited by Lisa Birnbach and written by Jonathan Roberts, Carol McD.

In general, elementary and secondary school, college, and the young adult years receive the most attention.

Birnbach reveals through an ironic tone where preps go to school, where they summer, what brands they wear, and how they decorate their homes.

[9] Birnbach jokingly educates readers on navigating a cocktail party, networking, and vacationing.

[12] The book's reflections on young urban professional culture inspired Arthur Cinader, the founder of the J.

Prior to the book, primarily only wealthy WASP elites adopted the preppy subculture.

Birnbach explained in her introduction that the handbook is not intended as an exclusive text describing preppiness as subculture reserved for “an elite minority lucky enough to attend prestigious private schools”.