It is perhaps time to worry if you feel particulary warm and affectionate towards a book like The Chicago Manual of Style.
But don’t worry too much. For writers, editors, and publishers, there is something deeply satisfying about having at the elbow a treasury of accumulated wisdom and convention like ‘the Chicago’, all mapped out and trackable by both table of contents and indices.
Consider the hyphen. This will only sting for a moment.
If your aunt Bessie is an extremely well-read old snorter, why would you say that your Auntie is ‘extremely well read’ (in a hyphen-less sort of way)?
The Chicago has an answer for you at 7.82, prefaced by the kind of judicious statement on trends and preferences vs. rules that could make even a linguist – those most irrascible members of humankind – relax.
There are other invaluable style guides, among which the Economist’s volume deserves pride of place. Yet the Chicago is irreplaceable, informative, and even fun.
Canter Bridge 
The Chicago Manual of style is now available online. The authoritative contents of the 15th edition can be searched for easy reference, and there is an online Q&A. Sign up before September 30th, 2007 and receive the introductory rate of $25 a year. The Q&A is available free of charge.