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The Catholic Gentleman: Living Authentic Manhood Today
What it means to be a man or a woman is questioned today like never before. While traditional gender roles have been eroding for decades, now the very categories of male and female are being discarded with reckless abandon. How does one act like a gentleman in such confusing times?
The Catholic Gentleman is a solid and practical guide to virtuous manhood. It turns to the timeless wisdom of the Catholic Church to answer the important questions men are currently asking. In short, easy- to-read chapters, the author offers pithy insights on a variety of topics, including
How to know you are an authentic man Why our bodies matter The value of tradition The purpose of courtesy What real holiness is and how to achieve it How to deal with failure in the spiritual life186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 7, 2020
This book had been on my wish list since before it even published. From the moment I encountered the cover, I knew this was a book I wanted to read, and one I likely needed to read. I was not wrong on either account. This is one of those books that you can easily gift to any Catholic or even any Christian man in your life. There are 32 pieces in this collection. There is also an excellent forward by Dale Ahlquist and two great appendices.
Ahlquist drawing from his own extensive writings postulates on the meaning of the term ‘gentleman’ and the history of ‘knights’ to set up the purpose for the book. At one point stating:
“Putting on armor was a rare event but a necessary one. The knight's greatest strength was in his restraint. He won love and respect without having to brandish his power. He followed an established set of rules. He knew that freedom existed within those rules—freedom for himself and for everyone who depended on him. He was civilized; he was not a barbarian. He was gentle because he was polite. G. K. Chesterton points out the forgotten connection between the words polite and police. Both refer to self-restraint, to keeping order, to following rules. Politeness watches over the polis, the city.”
And after expanding upon that, and giving an example from Chesterton’s works. He concludes the introduction with these statements:
“Men have stopped showing courtesy. One of the most obvious places we see a lack of courtesy is on the Internet, in the unrestrained manner in which people address each other. The virtual world is not a virtuous world, as people type things to their onscreen adversaries that they would never say to a person sitting across the table.
At least, not yet: There is nothing to stop this behavior from carrying over into the real world.
Not only are men not behaving like gentlemen on the Internet; they are not treating women like ladies. A man who regards a woman as no more than a soulless erotic image existing only for his gratification has become a barbarian, the very thing the good and gentle knight had to fight against. We need to bring back these knights. We need to bring back true gentlemen.
Sam Guzman has given us something we desperately need: a valuable, readable book to help make young men into gentlemen.”
And I completely agree. This is a much needed volume but not only for making young men into gentlemen, but also for some of us older man to help us become even more gentlemanly. I honestly believe that any Christian man would benefit from reading this volume. In some ways it could be ‘The catholic Gentleman’, with a small C because of the universal nature of the advice and wisdom contained in this volume. Guzman himself returns to Chesterton in the 15 chapter The Call To Protect. In which he gives a humorous telling of Chesterton’s own gun totting ways. And his desire to be able to protect his bride.
This book can be read from beginning to end. Or you can flip and read any of the pieces on their own. In some ways it reminds me of some of the materials from the Promise Keepers movement 30 years ago. The writing is excellent. And I loved the Catholic Gentleman’s Rule of Life, and Reading List. I have already read about a quarter of the recommended list and have added several to my wish list. A few pieces in this volume specifically hit me on this reading:
Fatherhood
Courtesy
Who Wants to Be a Saint?
Happiness and Holiness
But I am sure when I reread the book that different chapters will be the ones I need at that point. My only real regret is that I did not pick it up as soon as it came out. I would likely be done it a second time already. So do not make my mistake, pick up this book and give it a read NOW. As stated this is an excellent volume and I highly recommend it!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
Ahlquist drawing from his own extensive writings postulates on the meaning of the term ‘gentleman’ and the history of ‘knights’ to set up the purpose for the book. At one point stating:
“Putting on armor was a rare event but a necessary one. The knight's greatest strength was in his restraint. He won love and respect without having to brandish his power. He followed an established set of rules. He knew that freedom existed within those rules—freedom for himself and for everyone who depended on him. He was civilized; he was not a barbarian. He was gentle because he was polite. G. K. Chesterton points out the forgotten connection between the words polite and police. Both refer to self-restraint, to keeping order, to following rules. Politeness watches over the polis, the city.”
And after expanding upon that, and giving an example from Chesterton’s works. He concludes the introduction with these statements:
“Men have stopped showing courtesy. One of the most obvious places we see a lack of courtesy is on the Internet, in the unrestrained manner in which people address each other. The virtual world is not a virtuous world, as people type things to their onscreen adversaries that they would never say to a person sitting across the table.
At least, not yet: There is nothing to stop this behavior from carrying over into the real world.
Not only are men not behaving like gentlemen on the Internet; they are not treating women like ladies. A man who regards a woman as no more than a soulless erotic image existing only for his gratification has become a barbarian, the very thing the good and gentle knight had to fight against. We need to bring back these knights. We need to bring back true gentlemen.
Sam Guzman has given us something we desperately need: a valuable, readable book to help make young men into gentlemen.”
And I completely agree. This is a much needed volume but not only for making young men into gentlemen, but also for some of us older man to help us become even more gentlemanly. I honestly believe that any Christian man would benefit from reading this volume. In some ways it could be ‘The catholic Gentleman’, with a small C because of the universal nature of the advice and wisdom contained in this volume. Guzman himself returns to Chesterton in the 15 chapter The Call To Protect. In which he gives a humorous telling of Chesterton’s own gun totting ways. And his desire to be able to protect his bride.
This book can be read from beginning to end. Or you can flip and read any of the pieces on their own. In some ways it reminds me of some of the materials from the Promise Keepers movement 30 years ago. The writing is excellent. And I loved the Catholic Gentleman’s Rule of Life, and Reading List. I have already read about a quarter of the recommended list and have added several to my wish list. A few pieces in this volume specifically hit me on this reading:
Fatherhood
Courtesy
Who Wants to Be a Saint?
Happiness and Holiness
But I am sure when I reread the book that different chapters will be the ones I need at that point. My only real regret is that I did not pick it up as soon as it came out. I would likely be done it a second time already. So do not make my mistake, pick up this book and give it a read NOW. As stated this is an excellent volume and I highly recommend it!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
December 31, 2019
This is a refreshing read, and one that I can feel good about handing to just about any Catholic man. Very short, consumable chapters that are topical, that can really pack a punch and call us to what God wants of us.
With 32 chapters contained in just 170 pages, this isn’t a deep dive into any one of the topics, but it is surely enough to help us know what we should be thinking about, and give us the challenge to pursue it.
Highly recommended for men pursuing holiness and virtue.
With 32 chapters contained in just 170 pages, this isn’t a deep dive into any one of the topics, but it is surely enough to help us know what we should be thinking about, and give us the challenge to pursue it.
Highly recommended for men pursuing holiness and virtue.
May 15, 2019
Rating is hard for me. I didn't rate this book a 2 meaning a bad review, but merely to reflect how 2 stars is described, "it was ok". It is written well and the information is beautiful and constructive to motivating one to strive for a well-lived life. It includes very short quick chapters and is just not a deep dive. It is all good info to know and be mindful of daily (for every one actually).
April 15, 2020
Amazing start to living a Catholic life, admittedly I am not confirmed so I am just LARPing as a Catholic, but an amazing starting book nonetheless
May 5, 2020
As the name suggests, it blends aspects of books on being a gentleman – thoughts about manners and dress — with Catholic spirituality. There are thus chapters on prayer, on being a servant-leader as a father, and on combating personal vice – particularly pervasive addictions like pornography. Guzman provides a fairly well rounded guide to a masculinity inspired by virtue, though obviously it’s going to be mostly of interest to Christians and particularly Catholics.
April 3, 2020
Very good. Like a pep talk from a friend.
September 18, 2024
The book is a pleasant interlocutor for young Catholic men aiming at a healthy Manhood.
The index covers a cleverly elaborated carte of subjects, from virtue to courtesy, from fatherhood to work to women... to calling! The call to protect, the call to serve, the call to love. The chapters present easy-to-follow arguments painting an attractive figure of the Catholic GentleMan. The same blog-post length that adds to readability takes away from depth, which is fine since the primary goal is to spur the reader, not to lay an anthropo-theological treaty.
Read a borrowed copy, I am ordering a new one, so I can lend to many friends.
The index covers a cleverly elaborated carte of subjects, from virtue to courtesy, from fatherhood to work to women... to calling! The call to protect, the call to serve, the call to love. The chapters present easy-to-follow arguments painting an attractive figure of the Catholic GentleMan. The same blog-post length that adds to readability takes away from depth, which is fine since the primary goal is to spur the reader, not to lay an anthropo-theological treaty.
Read a borrowed copy, I am ordering a new one, so I can lend to many friends.
May 22, 2019
I wish I had this book when I first became Catholic! It's extraordinarily helpful with no wasted words. Guzman has a knack for taking deep truths about spirituality and making them accessible for everyday men. The chapters are short and punchy, yet full of wisdom. The book is peppered with helpful prayers and examples of holy men who have "walked the walk" of virtue. There's also a few Star Trek references here and there. I'd especially recommend this book to people who are looking for practical ways of deepening their Catholic faith. The book features sections on Marian devotion and the Sacraments that will resonate most with Catholics, still I think any Christian would benefit from picking this book and starting a conversation.
May 8, 2020
In short: a great little book, perfect for gifts to give to any man (mine was a gift too). I recommend it and I have underestimated it.
When I first started reading it, I wasn't impressed. The chapters in the first half of the book talk about generic things regarding masculinity, being a gentleman, the virtues, fatherhood etc. but this was nothing new for me, nothing I haven't heard elsewhere before and simply nothing special, nothing that would set this book apart from other guides to manliness. I found the way it is written rather weak, because there are many short chapters which are in no way connected to each other, so in the beginning it felt like I was just reading a random collection of short blog articles.
Now, after I've read it, I see that this is actually a very pleasant way to read. Each chapter covers one topic, therefore one can read one chapter a night and reflect on it and read this book slowly, without having to fear that one will lose the plot because they are not connected.
As I delved deeper into the book, around halfway in, the chapters started to get better and better and spoke to me more and more. Some of them were the chapters on suffering, the value of work, sainthood, community, prayer and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Sam Guzman is not a theologian, a heavy-hitting philosopher or a mystic who shares complex wisdom with us, but he has read a lot of books and has shown the talent to compress all that knowledge in short and easily digestible chapters. Again, the author didn't introduce me to new concepts, but the pleasant writing style and repetition of hearing the same things put in simpler words have helped. Repetitio est mater studiorum really applies here.
I was reading The Ways of Mental Prayer - a book on advanced mental prayer written by a 19th-century-born Cistercian abbot, endorsed by none other than Pope St. Pius X. and recommended to me through a talk given by none other than the traditional, FSSP-educated exorcist and Thomist Fr Chad Ripperger - at the same time as I was reading The Catholic Gentleman. While I was learning all about the ins and outs of mental prayer from such a learned author, I still benefitted from Guzman's simple words in his short chapter on prayer. Sometimes, we really do just need to hear the same things over and over again, put in simpler words.
When I first started reading it, I wasn't impressed. The chapters in the first half of the book talk about generic things regarding masculinity, being a gentleman, the virtues, fatherhood etc. but this was nothing new for me, nothing I haven't heard elsewhere before and simply nothing special, nothing that would set this book apart from other guides to manliness. I found the way it is written rather weak, because there are many short chapters which are in no way connected to each other, so in the beginning it felt like I was just reading a random collection of short blog articles.
Now, after I've read it, I see that this is actually a very pleasant way to read. Each chapter covers one topic, therefore one can read one chapter a night and reflect on it and read this book slowly, without having to fear that one will lose the plot because they are not connected.
As I delved deeper into the book, around halfway in, the chapters started to get better and better and spoke to me more and more. Some of them were the chapters on suffering, the value of work, sainthood, community, prayer and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Sam Guzman is not a theologian, a heavy-hitting philosopher or a mystic who shares complex wisdom with us, but he has read a lot of books and has shown the talent to compress all that knowledge in short and easily digestible chapters. Again, the author didn't introduce me to new concepts, but the pleasant writing style and repetition of hearing the same things put in simpler words have helped. Repetitio est mater studiorum really applies here.
I was reading The Ways of Mental Prayer - a book on advanced mental prayer written by a 19th-century-born Cistercian abbot, endorsed by none other than Pope St. Pius X. and recommended to me through a talk given by none other than the traditional, FSSP-educated exorcist and Thomist Fr Chad Ripperger - at the same time as I was reading The Catholic Gentleman. While I was learning all about the ins and outs of mental prayer from such a learned author, I still benefitted from Guzman's simple words in his short chapter on prayer. Sometimes, we really do just need to hear the same things over and over again, put in simpler words.
January 3, 2024
Powerful!
'The Catholic Gentleman: Living Authentic Manhood Today' by Samuel Guzman is truly a treasure. It began with what is a gentleman and his importance, especially in the modern world that struggles to understand, or just disregards masculinity.
But, what made this book better is that it was a self-help guide for Catholic men. After the intro, many topics were covered, such as prayer lives, chastity and purity, fatherhood, leadership, integrity, codes, and more. These were united by Catholic teachings and thoughts, in order to present to men an alternative to inferior or flat-out degenerate living.
Admittedly before reading this, I knew a lot about Catholic ideas of manhood, as I am a member of KofC, follow pages under the theme on social media, and follow St Joseph's example. Yet, I think that this book was certainly an upgrade if you will.
In conclusion, a vital book. I recommend this book heavily to Catholic boys, men, fathers, and husbands.
'The Catholic Gentleman: Living Authentic Manhood Today' by Samuel Guzman is truly a treasure. It began with what is a gentleman and his importance, especially in the modern world that struggles to understand, or just disregards masculinity.
But, what made this book better is that it was a self-help guide for Catholic men. After the intro, many topics were covered, such as prayer lives, chastity and purity, fatherhood, leadership, integrity, codes, and more. These were united by Catholic teachings and thoughts, in order to present to men an alternative to inferior or flat-out degenerate living.
Admittedly before reading this, I knew a lot about Catholic ideas of manhood, as I am a member of KofC, follow pages under the theme on social media, and follow St Joseph's example. Yet, I think that this book was certainly an upgrade if you will.
In conclusion, a vital book. I recommend this book heavily to Catholic boys, men, fathers, and husbands.
March 17, 2025
It didn’t provide any depth or fascinating points- it was just a good reminder and call to being a Catholic man. The author did say this was just going to be quick, little chapters of his experiences of masculinity. I wouldn’t spend any money on this book
January 2, 2021
Some great insights on authentic masculinity from a Catholic perspective.
January 11, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I gifted this to my dad for Christmas and picked it up out of curiosity. I would describe this as a book of advice coming from an older brother… pages of advice and maybe, “preachy” at some points, but great general information. I think I was looking for more theological justifications and explanations of male responsibilities and expectations.
I personally loved the "Appendix A; The Catholic Gentlemen's Rule of Life;" a comprehensive, to the point, check-list of sorts. Overall, I would honestly encourage any Catholic women to read as well. It could bring comfort and encouragement to those who are discerning marriage, and would be a great topic of conversation for women who are married to healthily challenge their husband to keep helping them get to heaven.
I gifted this to my dad for Christmas and picked it up out of curiosity. I would describe this as a book of advice coming from an older brother… pages of advice and maybe, “preachy” at some points, but great general information. I think I was looking for more theological justifications and explanations of male responsibilities and expectations.
I personally loved the "Appendix A; The Catholic Gentlemen's Rule of Life;" a comprehensive, to the point, check-list of sorts. Overall, I would honestly encourage any Catholic women to read as well. It could bring comfort and encouragement to those who are discerning marriage, and would be a great topic of conversation for women who are married to healthily challenge their husband to keep helping them get to heaven.
January 25, 2024
"The Catholic Gentleman" by Sam Guzman was genuinely a great read. Initially uncertain about the book, it turned out to be a genuine page-turner! I'll be honest in admitting that I didn't fully read the chapters addressing the qualities of being a good husband and father, as I am currently single with no foreseeable romantic future. Nevertheless, I appreciate the inclusion of these chapters for those who can benefit from them.
The book gained momentum in the second half, striking many resonant chords in both my heart and mind. My favorite chapters were 'No One is Saved Alone,' 'Purity,' 'The Gift of Faith,' and 'The Cross.' They resonated with me and imparted valuable lessons that I hope to remember and carry with me in my daily life. Overall, Guzman's insights make this book a commendable addition to the literature addressing matters of faith and personal growth.
The book gained momentum in the second half, striking many resonant chords in both my heart and mind. My favorite chapters were 'No One is Saved Alone,' 'Purity,' 'The Gift of Faith,' and 'The Cross.' They resonated with me and imparted valuable lessons that I hope to remember and carry with me in my daily life. Overall, Guzman's insights make this book a commendable addition to the literature addressing matters of faith and personal growth.
October 29, 2019
A very genuine and straightforward call to regain what it means to be a man in the modern age, a gentleman. Framed in the Catholic, Christian lifestyle, this book is not, however, exclusive to the faithful. Any man could benefit from the insights Guzman offers. Masculinity and the idea of being a man of integrity are not ancient ideals, but rather something to be attained through embracing our daily sufferings, self-sacrifice and self-control. This book offers quick, detailed and applicable practices, prayers and solutions to problems any young man faces, has faced or will face in his development. A must read if you are looking for affirmation and inspiration of what it means to be a real man.
April 16, 2020
I was stuck between 3 or 4 stars and ultimately ended on 4 stars. There are parts of the book that I really didn’t connect to. As someone who has spent their entire professional career as a campus minister, I go into books like these with high expectations. I really appreciate what the author is trying to do in this book and he hits the mark most of the time. I appreciate his invitation to a closer relationship with God and the importance of prayer. I also like how it is written in such a way that you can have the chapters stand alone by themselves and return to them as need be. Once again, some of the chapters missed the mark so far for me I almost didn’t finish the book. But I would go to the next chapter and it would bring me back in! Overall, well written Sam!
November 17, 2022
Po prvých stránkach som si myslel, že toto nebude kniha pre mňa a aj som bol trochu prekvapený, že v Česku to vydal Hesperion. Napokon sme si k sebe našli cestu. Myslím, že to je super kniha pre každého katolíckeho muža. Jej prínos spočíva najmä v tom, že stručne a jasne pojednáva o množstve tém, ukazuje ideál a ponúka stručný návod ako naň.
Vďaka kratučkým kapitolkám na rôzne témy je to vhodné pre obyčajných ľudí, ktorí knihy do ruky veľmi neberú ako aj pre knihomoľov. Praktické rady katolíckemu mužovi jasne ukazujú, čo má robiť na to, aby ideál, ktorý kniha ponúka naplnil.
Odporúčam ako darček pre hociktorého katolíckeho muža.
Vďaka kratučkým kapitolkám na rôzne témy je to vhodné pre obyčajných ľudí, ktorí knihy do ruky veľmi neberú ako aj pre knihomoľov. Praktické rady katolíckemu mužovi jasne ukazujú, čo má robiť na to, aby ideál, ktorý kniha ponúka naplnil.
Odporúčam ako darček pre hociktorého katolíckeho muža.
April 22, 2025
This book offers an introduction to the Catholic understanding of authentic manhood, written as a range of short essays on related topics. Although the content is rather basic, the treatment of the central theme is impressively multi-faceted. The topics covered include not only a theoretical presentation of manhood based on the model of Christ and the examples of saints, with analyses according to typology and the cardinal virtues, but also useful practical tips on marriage, fatherhood, and filial piety. Overall, this is an inspiring and accessible book, and even those who don't have much time or mental energy left after work may still benefit from it.
July 7, 2023
A very good introductory book on our quest of becoming man, that is catholic gentleman rooted in love for GOD, the neighbour and self, striving for holiness and sacrificing for others in order to bring creation back to our Father. It shows the paths forward, the dangers on the way and gives advice how to excel in our vocation. One will discover why a true man is a knight, who is civilized and has a mission to protect those under his care; how this protection is rooted in acquiring virtues, acknowledging tradition and aspiring to sainthood, which is becoming a living model of Jesus Christ.
April 24, 2020
The chapters were incredibly short and lacked depth. The book included 32 separate chapters on 32 separate topics. It would have been nice to have fewer chapters/topics with more depth. The content also seemed very "old-school" and lacked differing viewpoints on true masculinity in today's world.
There were a few "nuggets" of wealth, but for the most part, the author's sporatic and dated writing style didn't win me over.
There were a few "nuggets" of wealth, but for the most part, the author's sporatic and dated writing style didn't win me over.
November 17, 2020
A fine book that would be a great gift book for a young man graduating high school or college. I enjoyed the book because the short chapters allow you to reflect on what is important in being a Catholic man in the world today. I read a few chapters every day as a sort of reflection. The author possesses wisdom and explains with clarity why certain beliefs & traits are important if we are to be Catholic gentlemen.
August 23, 2020
The author does a great job expressing timeless truths in a way that will resonate with the modern man. He points out in a clear and accessible way how the values of the current culture conflict with Gospel/Kingdom-living, particularly in regards to masculinity. He effectively calls the reader to deeper conversion. Great for a men’s group.
December 26, 2021
Fine book. Read for our men's group. The first many chapters feel like blog posts: 4-5 pages that barely scrape the surface bouncing around some big topics. However, as the book progresses I found there was more continuity between chapters and a bit more meat to chew on.
This was certainly not a bad book, but I'm less excited about it than some of the other material our group has covered.
This was certainly not a bad book, but I'm less excited about it than some of the other material our group has covered.
September 14, 2023
Dobré jako úvod nebo připomenutí toho, jak žít svou katolickou víru. Už forma krátkých kapitol napovídá, že nejde o hluboké čtení, ale soubor podnětů k dalšímu prohlubování znalostí (včetně uvedení doporučené literatury). Přitom nejde jen o znalosti, nechybí sympatický důraz na praktickou stránku víry, příklady modliteb i osobní zkušenosti autora.
February 25, 2020
Nothing new here for anyone who ha sspent some time with the scriptures. It's well laid out and explained. The flow is easy to navigate and the approach easy to consume in small, succinct chapters.
Worth a read for all your bearded and non bearded Catholic and would-be Catholic men.
Worth a read for all your bearded and non bearded Catholic and would-be Catholic men.
August 14, 2020
Be a Man
A great book on authentic masculinity, something that seems so lost in the modern world. As a young man, I am very glad to have found this book. Worth every penny and good for quick reading because of its style.
A great book on authentic masculinity, something that seems so lost in the modern world. As a young man, I am very glad to have found this book. Worth every penny and good for quick reading because of its style.
December 13, 2020
Very easy read, broken down into almost 5 minute chapters. Also very relevant and interesting perspective on catholic masculinity, but also masculinity in general. This may not be for all readers, but I would wager that women would benefit from this read as well.
January 11, 2021
Most of the topics are rather shallow, but there are some pithy reminders for men wanting to live the great gentlemanly and Catholic life. This book might not even be a jumping off point, but it's a step there.
August 7, 2022
Just started reading — not a book that defines manhood in terms of stereotypes. As the author suggests, both Mr. Rogers and General George Patton were real men. What matters most for men is living out their gifts of manhood in relation to Christ.
June 28, 2025
Very inspiring and helpful puts life into perspective especially for us men. Points out how to live a holy and spiritual life during these times and how to draw closer to God. Should go into more detail and longer chapters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews