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Hot Victorians: Meet Your Dream Man From the Past
Alan Carr
'A delicious sepia wet dream of a book that had me drooling, swiping right and wanting to buy a time machine'
Dawn French
'What a treat!'
Dita Von Teese
'This book is brilliant fun - capturing the debonair dandyism and sophisticated enigma of some very ruttable gentleman of the time'
Feast your eyes upon the most gentlemanly brows, chiselled jawlines and tightest abs of the Victorian era.
Authored by the hugely popular 'Hot Victorians' Instagram account, this book is a brazen celebration of the finest men from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. From a show-off strongman, a hot felon and a daguerreotype dandy to a Swedish sailor and Harvard's first Black graduate, there is a chap for everyone.
Divided into chapters such as Hot Dads, Original Hipsters, Jocks and Sexy Nerds, each entry includes a swoon-worthy picture and a dating profile about the man. Among them, meet our cover star Arthur Shidler, dishy doctor and family man from Illinois, or how about the physician responsible for the identification of the bubonic plague parasite - is it really justified that such an ugly bacteria is named after a man so beautiful!? Each entry also includes a hilarious response to one of the prompts you might find on the dating apps, bringing these gents right into the 21st century.
Although they may be dead, for these 70+ perfect gents, chivalry is far from it.
'A delicious sepia wet dream of a book that had me drooling, swiping right and wanting to buy a time machine'
Dawn French
'What a treat!'
Dita Von Teese
'This book is brilliant fun - capturing the debonair dandyism and sophisticated enigma of some very ruttable gentleman of the time'
Feast your eyes upon the most gentlemanly brows, chiselled jawlines and tightest abs of the Victorian era.
Authored by the hugely popular 'Hot Victorians' Instagram account, this book is a brazen celebration of the finest men from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. From a show-off strongman, a hot felon and a daguerreotype dandy to a Swedish sailor and Harvard's first Black graduate, there is a chap for everyone.
Divided into chapters such as Hot Dads, Original Hipsters, Jocks and Sexy Nerds, each entry includes a swoon-worthy picture and a dating profile about the man. Among them, meet our cover star Arthur Shidler, dishy doctor and family man from Illinois, or how about the physician responsible for the identification of the bubonic plague parasite - is it really justified that such an ugly bacteria is named after a man so beautiful!? Each entry also includes a hilarious response to one of the prompts you might find on the dating apps, bringing these gents right into the 21st century.
Although they may be dead, for these 70+ perfect gents, chivalry is far from it.
- GenresHumorNonfictionHistory
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
1 person is currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 24, 2025
4.75 stars
This book was such a breath of fresh air! The men were hot, the descriptions so funny and witty, and the whole book incredibly educational. I had the BEST time reading this and gazing at the hotties, which I was sadly born in the wrong time frame to meet. I don't know how we haven't had a book like this before, I will need another one pronto (I'm looking at you Aaron), and I'd be ok with a different time frame even!
Thank you to Net Galley and Mobius Books for an e-ARC.
This book was such a breath of fresh air! The men were hot, the descriptions so funny and witty, and the whole book incredibly educational. I had the BEST time reading this and gazing at the hotties, which I was sadly born in the wrong time frame to meet. I don't know how we haven't had a book like this before, I will need another one pronto (I'm looking at you Aaron), and I'd be ok with a different time frame even!
Thank you to Net Galley and Mobius Books for an e-ARC.
September 15, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this, even though I really have never been the kind of girl to look at photos of people and simp over them or whatever. In case you really don't understand the point of this book, it isn't just photographs. There are short descriptions of the men, although some are just general descriptions because no one knows who the person is. There are things like 'swipe right', 'my love language is' or ' my idea of a perfect date would be'. Normal things you would find on a dating app or through a dating service.
Especially loved that not every single man was a rich, white man from either London or New York society. Loved how diverse it was. Absolutely loved the different sections, like hot dads, original hipsters, and sexy nerds.
Definitely would recommend!
I absolutely loved this, even though I really have never been the kind of girl to look at photos of people and simp over them or whatever. In case you really don't understand the point of this book, it isn't just photographs. There are short descriptions of the men, although some are just general descriptions because no one knows who the person is. There are things like 'swipe right', 'my love language is' or ' my idea of a perfect date would be'. Normal things you would find on a dating app or through a dating service.
Especially loved that not every single man was a rich, white man from either London or New York society. Loved how diverse it was. Absolutely loved the different sections, like hot dads, original hipsters, and sexy nerds.
Definitely would recommend!
August 22, 2025
This was honestly such a fun little book! If you've ever followed any of the #historicalhotties on social media, you'll love it.
The author chose all sorts of handsome Victorian men and portrayed them in fun dating app style ways. While we may not know much about some of these gentlemen, we now know which ones would have been your ride or die, would have walked into the sunset with you, or would have cooked you a five course meal - all thanks to the clever (and saucy) commentary from the author.
The men come from a range of countries and ethnicities, which was very welcome. I'll admit I was expecting them all to be dead white guys. And there are quite a few for whom we have some history. You learn about some accomplishments that literally changed the world and mourn some who died far too young.
Funny, sweet and surprisingly poignant.
Loved this!
* ARC via Publisher
The author chose all sorts of handsome Victorian men and portrayed them in fun dating app style ways. While we may not know much about some of these gentlemen, we now know which ones would have been your ride or die, would have walked into the sunset with you, or would have cooked you a five course meal - all thanks to the clever (and saucy) commentary from the author.
The men come from a range of countries and ethnicities, which was very welcome. I'll admit I was expecting them all to be dead white guys. And there are quite a few for whom we have some history. You learn about some accomplishments that literally changed the world and mourn some who died far too young.
Funny, sweet and surprisingly poignant.
Loved this!
* ARC via Publisher
September 22, 2025
Thank you so much to Mobius Books and Netgalley for the advance copy! As always all opinions shared below are 100% my own.
How do you even rate this while being bedazzled by these Victorian hotties?
Seriously though, 'Hot Victorians: Meet Your Dream Man From the Past' is a funny short read for history lovers inspired by the Instagram account by the same name. Honestly, I think it would make an ideal coffee table book. A very interesting conversation starter, right?
The book is split into 'categories' of hotness: Hot Dads, Jocks, Nerds, etc. Each section then features a photo of a gentleman from the past and a short description of who they were/what we know about them. For the unknown individuals, we learn about the photo itself or some context related to it. A funny dating profile tip is also included like: What an ideal date looks like for them? Or 'Ask me about...'. Some are very funny, others are cute or silly.
Overall, I had a lot of fun with it as I love staring at Victorian photos especially. And I especially appreciated that it shared photos across countries, cultures and races! While I had seen some of the photos before, most were new to me and I enjoyed learning about them even if it was brief.
You can also find me on: Instagram
How do you even rate this while being bedazzled by these Victorian hotties?
Seriously though, 'Hot Victorians: Meet Your Dream Man From the Past' is a funny short read for history lovers inspired by the Instagram account by the same name. Honestly, I think it would make an ideal coffee table book. A very interesting conversation starter, right?
The book is split into 'categories' of hotness: Hot Dads, Jocks, Nerds, etc. Each section then features a photo of a gentleman from the past and a short description of who they were/what we know about them. For the unknown individuals, we learn about the photo itself or some context related to it. A funny dating profile tip is also included like: What an ideal date looks like for them? Or 'Ask me about...'. Some are very funny, others are cute or silly.
Overall, I had a lot of fun with it as I love staring at Victorian photos especially. And I especially appreciated that it shared photos across countries, cultures and races! While I had seen some of the photos before, most were new to me and I enjoyed learning about them even if it was brief.
You can also find me on: Instagram
September 19, 2025
5 ⭐️ Who knew Victorians could smolder this hard? Hot Victorians is history with a wink and a waistcoat. I laughed out loud at nearly every page.
It is the ultimate coffee table book. You set it out, guests pick it up, and suddenly everyone is thirsting after a man in sepia with sideburns sharp enough to cut glass.
As a photographer, I loved all the camera nods. Victorian men really knew how to work their angles. Honestly, these portraits could double as the first thirst traps.
I will absolutely be buying a physical copy. It is hilarious, weirdly charming, and guaranteed to make you blush, giggle, and maybe start swiping right on history.
Thank you, NetGalley, TRULY, for the brilliant piece of ARC. 📖
It is the ultimate coffee table book. You set it out, guests pick it up, and suddenly everyone is thirsting after a man in sepia with sideburns sharp enough to cut glass.
As a photographer, I loved all the camera nods. Victorian men really knew how to work their angles. Honestly, these portraits could double as the first thirst traps.
I will absolutely be buying a physical copy. It is hilarious, weirdly charming, and guaranteed to make you blush, giggle, and maybe start swiping right on history.
Thank you, NetGalley, TRULY, for the brilliant piece of ARC. 📖
September 9, 2025
I think the audience for this book is pretty limited, but it's very fun. I enjoyed the small biographies for the known subjects and the imagined ones for those whose names have been lost to history.
September 28, 2025
WHAT did we just read 💀?! Read this one out loud with Catherine while doing some laundry. Deadly. What a hoot!
January 16, 2026
Deeply unserious
Want to read
December 27, 2025what i received from my family for christmas because, at this point in my dating life, we're all pretty sure my soulmate died sometime circa 1890.
November 13, 2025
☕Book: Hot Victorians
💕Rate: 5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🦄Praise: This is seriously the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable book I have read in quite a while! I have always enjoyed books about dating, dating apps, and will she or won't she pick the guy scenarios! But to come across a book where you get to pick men from the past?! Pure genius and a reading time that can only be categorized as "Mentally Delicious" !!
🎉 I was actually picking out my favorite men! Asking myself if I were back in the Victorian era "Would I date him?!!" They have actual biographies as if I was on a modern dating app! So much fun!! I truly want more books from this author!
❤️ This is definitely a book that can be used for parties and entertainment! A book that is to be cherished and to definitely take the reality off your shoulders while you look at these men shoulders! LOL 😆
🎁 I felt as if I was one of the Bennett sisters from Pride and Prejudice! Which eligible bachelor shall be mine?! You must read this book! You have to read this book!! It's so meant for you! I truly hope the author writes more books just like this I will be getting it in hardback!
💗Bravo!!
💕Rate: 5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🦄Praise: This is seriously the most entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable book I have read in quite a while! I have always enjoyed books about dating, dating apps, and will she or won't she pick the guy scenarios! But to come across a book where you get to pick men from the past?! Pure genius and a reading time that can only be categorized as "Mentally Delicious" !!
🎉 I was actually picking out my favorite men! Asking myself if I were back in the Victorian era "Would I date him?!!" They have actual biographies as if I was on a modern dating app! So much fun!! I truly want more books from this author!
❤️ This is definitely a book that can be used for parties and entertainment! A book that is to be cherished and to definitely take the reality off your shoulders while you look at these men shoulders! LOL 😆
🎁 I felt as if I was one of the Bennett sisters from Pride and Prejudice! Which eligible bachelor shall be mine?! You must read this book! You have to read this book!! It's so meant for you! I truly hope the author writes more books just like this I will be getting it in hardback!
💗Bravo!!
January 21, 2026
Hachette Mobius sent me a copy of this book after I won a giveaway from them and I said this one looked awesome too so thank you so much!
I was not wrong I really liked this one because we got a real photo of someone from the past, maybe their name if the knew who the photo was of and a humorous biography that was true or as true as it may have been for an anonymous man from a he 1800’s to early 1900’s. Now please, please, please, make one of the ladies as well. I have honestly always said no one can look bad in black in white/ sepia and all of the photos were smoking. The doctor was my fave haha. The his will be a great “coffee table” book to have on hand.
I would recommend this read to everyone.
I was not wrong I really liked this one because we got a real photo of someone from the past, maybe their name if the knew who the photo was of and a humorous biography that was true or as true as it may have been for an anonymous man from a he 1800’s to early 1900’s. Now please, please, please, make one of the ladies as well. I have honestly always said no one can look bad in black in white/ sepia and all of the photos were smoking. The doctor was my fave haha. The his will be a great “coffee table” book to have on hand.
I would recommend this read to everyone.
September 24, 2025
It was fine. It was funny to start but the humor got a bit repetitive for me. I actually got a bit bored about 50% of the way through. It was also frustrating that the pictures that corresponded with the information on who you were reading about, kept changing from before to after and back again. I'm sure it's not as bad in a physical book but with an ebook, it was super annoying.
August 22, 2025
This is a fun, beautiful book of photography! I definitely recommend it - especially for ladies and laddies who love beards!
September 2, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Charming beautiful photos of handsome men from days gone by. I especially liked the descriptive text that gave info about each fellow.
Charming beautiful photos of handsome men from days gone by. I especially liked the descriptive text that gave info about each fellow.
December 31, 2025
Ridiculously fun. I can only read it in small doses, though.
January 26, 2026
Funny and charming
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews