English Gentleman

by Douglas Sutherland

Originally written for Debrett's Peerage , Douglas Sutherland's guide to that endangered species, the English Gentleman, was composed as an antidote to all the dull little books on manners. Both genuinely informative and very amusing, The English Gentleman offers the parvenu a window onto the world of the genuine article. It describes his habits, where he might live, what he might wear, his school, his clubs, his hobbies and sports, his family and relationships, his mode of speech, and the acceptable way to behave in almost any given situation. Not to mention advice on the correct attitudes toward money (it's vulgar), sex (it's vulgar), and business (it's vulgar unless, of course, it's run at a heavy loss). This is a hilarious initiation into the eccentric world of the stiff upper lip.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

140 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1978

Reviews

[The Wrath of Eleny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering reading this book? Before going into it there's a couple things you should keep in mind that I would have liked to know before hand:
1. It's satirical non-fiction (i.e. don't take it seriously, it's making fun of the system as well as handbooks in general)
2. There's the use of slurs and dated terminology (such as the "N" word hard "r"), I'm assuming it's because this book was written in 1979. Regardless it's still there, but do with that info as you will.

Opinion: It's a short read (84~ pages), you've got nothing to loose by reading it if you're bored. I have no idea how much of it is true (considering a lot of it is personal accounts), but the author does bring up some valid philosophical points that are actually still hotly debated about school systems to this day.

[Amethyst Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty. Funny.

[Lance Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, it’s like if Douglas Adams wrote a book on manners and etiquette.

[Jenny's Book Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 5 Stars = An enduring classic to be read by all; 4 Stars = I LOVE IT! You gotta read it!; 3 Stars = A great book for a specific interest/type of reader/very casual read; 1 or 2 Stars = no comment***

I totally adore this little book. It's a 120-page little cutie written as a tongue-in-cheek description of the 'true' English gentleman....what they wear, eat, do for entertainment, think about everything. It's written on purpose in an old-fashioned, stuffy tone. It is sarcastic and humorous, but also informative.

I tucked it in my purse for 'waiting-room reading' and enjoyed every minute of it. It portrays the Austen/Dickens-type gentlemen -- or Lord Crowley and such. I loved the information about their clothing and their attitudes and rigid habits. I got some more insight from this quick read on the Victorian/British Peerage characters I love so much.

The 3-star rating means that I like this book for anybody who loves those classic reads and characters, especially of the British persuasion. If you read Austen, you should read this book.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Makes fun of the odd, insular world of the old English upper class. It's no Blackadder with General Melchett and Lieutenant George, but it's good for a laugh here and there and it's too short to complain. Still, if you don't read it you're not missing anything.

[Jonathan]

A book that mocks manners and sartorial handbooks, especially those which teach you how to pretend to be a gentleman.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best of this type of book.

[Alan Pottinger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious little book, only minor glimmers of humour - exudes the welcome charm of a damp gun dog ...