Man Up
While it's definitely more than just monster trucks, grilling and six-pack abs, true manliness is hard to define. The words "macho" ... read full description
reviews
Apr 23, 2011
V_Shaft
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From the founders of the popular website of the same name, comes a book about the (lost) art of manliness. I was a casual reader of the said site, and I found some of the advices there useful, but to say it'll really bring you from a wuss to a manly man would be an overstatement. And, just like the site, this book is a mixed bag.
First of all, I thought it would focus on the notion, or ideal of manliness. As it turns out, it's more of a how-to guide for doing things the authors deems as More...
First of all, I thought it would focus on the notion, or ideal of manliness. As it turns out, it's more of a how-to guide for doing things the authors deems as More...
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Aug 28, 2011
Seamus
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This review is a supplement to the excellent review which V_Shaft has posted.
This book, like Brett and Kate McKay's blog, is useful for what you choose to take from it. No, this book will not magically transform you into manly man or a Victorian gentleman or whatever kind of man you aspire to be. The title of the book is The Art of Manliness, not The Philosophy of Manliness. The subtitle is Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man. But for the guy who wants to learns some classi More...
This book, like Brett and Kate McKay's blog, is useful for what you choose to take from it. No, this book will not magically transform you into manly man or a Victorian gentleman or whatever kind of man you aspire to be. The title of the book is The Art of Manliness, not The Philosophy of Manliness. The subtitle is Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man. But for the guy who wants to learns some classi More...
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Oct 22, 2011
Adil
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The Art of Manliness is a guide to becoming a better man by focusing on one's mannerisms, dress, and intelligence. The book posits that modern men have become stuck in 'permanent adolescence' and are not up to task on the necessary virtues and strengths which belonged to the men of the past.
Leaning upon past paragons like Theodore Roosevelt and Benjamin Franklin, this book covers different aspects of becoming a better man in today's society by eliminating time-wasters, maintaining clea More...
Leaning upon past paragons like Theodore Roosevelt and Benjamin Franklin, this book covers different aspects of becoming a better man in today's society by eliminating time-wasters, maintaining clea More...
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Jan 23, 2012
Mike
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I enjoyed it. In the book, the author states that the purpose of this book was to pass on sage-like advice to the younger generation who doesn't appear to be getting the information that used to be passed down by their elders since the passing on of this information has gone out of common practice. If that's the case, then the authors should know that I think they've done exactly what they set out to do. I picked up this book for those very reasons. As is pretty common for folks of my genera
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Jan 12, 2010
Risa
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I am adding this to my read because i read it for free in Border's, which took 2.5 minutes and reviewing it because half of the motherfuckers who put this on their "to-read" list have faces that look like they shave with a lawn mower blade strapped to a broom handle and wielded by a blind monkey-- so I am telling you now that you do not need to put off reading this for long; you will need hardly forfeit an entire afternoon and you might actually take an interest in your appearance and
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Nov 25, 2011
Nefficus
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Hilarious, entertaining, and informative all at the same time, The Art of Manliness attempts to recapture a lost sense of what being a man is all about...and it's not about the current pop culture perception of "macho" that prevails in beer commercials during NFL games. This book's portrayal of manliness hearkens back to a time when being a good gentlemen, husband, father, worker were things that men took pride in - things that were honed like an art. The Art of Manliness will have y
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May 26, 2011
Quan
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Better a website than it is a book. I most enjoy the section about the virtuous man. Most of the book is about skills, so you will need tools ready with you in order to practice. Otherwise, the book is more of a fun read above all else.
Also, many topics are not pertinent to me such as how to be a good father, how to calm your pregnant wife, etc. Other parts about survival skills or how to practice bartitsu are not quite thorough. Again, you will need to have tools ready to learn survival s More...
Also, many topics are not pertinent to me such as how to be a good father, how to calm your pregnant wife, etc. Other parts about survival skills or how to practice bartitsu are not quite thorough. Again, you will need to have tools ready to learn survival s More...
Nov 22, 2010
Wangyip
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Great read for everyone but of course, men specifically. Particularly for men who would like an idea of some of the rules and etiquette that gentlemen practice these days.
For example, the meaning of flowers (what does a red rose mean, what does a white rose mean?) and why the act of giving flowers should be revived. How to polish your shoes. What to do at a dinner party. Lots of fantastic information; not only will it give you information about certain situations, it will also give yo More...
For example, the meaning of flowers (what does a red rose mean, what does a white rose mean?) and why the act of giving flowers should be revived. How to polish your shoes. What to do at a dinner party. Lots of fantastic information; not only will it give you information about certain situations, it will also give yo More...
Nov 25, 2011
Chris
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Loved this book (and the blog). The author makes a strong case for bringing back old school manliness. I agreed with most his opinions and really enjoyed his style of writing, especially his choice of vocabulary. The author discusses a wide array of things that men should know, do, and form their characters around. It will motivate you to think about your life as a man and what you can do to improve it. Basically, it will motivate you to man up!
Side notes: This book is in no way sexist More...
Side notes: This book is in no way sexist More...
Jul 27, 2010
Rich
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This book was a bit underwhelming.
While the book dives into some very interesting historical tidbits, it neglects to really focus on anything. Is it trying to be informational? Is it trying to be humorous? Is it trying to be some combination? I was unsure.
Undoubted, this book has some very interesting sections, but others are almost downright insultingly obvious (see the Fatherhood section).
I wouldn't rush out to buy this, but its a nice easy read if loaned from
While the book dives into some very interesting historical tidbits, it neglects to really focus on anything. Is it trying to be informational? Is it trying to be humorous? Is it trying to be some combination? I was unsure.
Undoubted, this book has some very interesting sections, but others are almost downright insultingly obvious (see the Fatherhood section).
I wouldn't rush out to buy this, but its a nice easy read if loaned from
May 19, 2010
Braden
rated it:
The Art of Manliness is a desperately needed guide for the modern man to embrace gentlemanly values and learn what it means to be distinctly, "a man." The book does a wonderful job of providing useful information for men like self-defense techniques, where to get a manly haircut, how to start a fire, what different types of flowers mean to your lady, and so much more. I would recommend this to any man.
Apr 17, 2010
Chris
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This was a fun book to read. At times tongue-in-cheek, and other times serious, it is a needed battle cry for men to start acting like gentlemen and fight against the growing tide of male idiots. The last chapter alone, The Virtuous Man, should be read by everyone, male and female alike. A solid effort from the man/wife team who started the interesting and informative Art of Manliness website.
Jul 07, 2010
Matthew
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This is an excellent light read for the young man from his late teens to early thirties. There is a light sense of humor and good overview of some manly ventures. While I don't agree with everything in the book, mainly because it slightly doesn't take into account the complexities of modern living, it does give the reader a great introspective to think about. Get it as an excellent graduation present for a son, nephew or grandson.
May 13, 2010
Troy
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Too many men are stuck in a state of perpetual adolescence, and refuse to grow up. This book is a fantastic start at redefining what it means to be a man, beginning by looking to the past for inspiration. I love the idea, though the blog is much better than the book.
Sep 26, 2010
Steve
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This is a "list type book" where many small topics on Manners, Life & Adventure are each discussed with a styled vigor & the solid sage of experience.
Bought several additional copies to give as presents.
Bought several additional copies to give as presents.
Sep 05, 2010
Daniel
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A must-have guide to life for any modern gentleman. I can't recommend reading this book enough. One of the most useful birthday presents I have ever received.
Feb 01, 2011
Christian
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A kick in the pants to motivate us "boys" into men. Provides very good advice and suggestions on many topics that men everywhere should know about.
Nov 25, 2011
Yazeed
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Although the book is like 260 long, it didn't take me much to finish it. The book is interesting to say the least, although I didn't like the 1900s theme. Worth reading if you're not expecting much ;)
Apr 12, 2010
Mike
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Some interesting things in it, but for the Christian man, not so good. There were some good things on manners and the like.
Dec 24, 2011
Kristofer
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Good lessons for boys who want to become men in an age of daintiness,
Nov 06, 2011
Lava
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Minus half a star for the bit about the flowers and their meanings. Seriously.
Mar 08, 2011
Ryan
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Their website is fascinating and the book is, too. The only downside of the book is that much of it is a summary of what has already been posted in Brett and Kate's blogs.
Jun 26, 2011
JC
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I'm a fan of the website, so I knew I'd enjoy the book. A great read for any man looking to be a better man... a gentleman. I warn you, you'll dress better and behave better after you read this. So man up.
Jan 17, 2010
Colin
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Sometimes I wish I could give a book 6 stars instead of just 5. Every man should read this book. Seriously. I love the AoM (not just the book, but the website and the whole franchise) with its combination of advice on the manly arts and philosophy of being a gentleman.
Nov 25, 2011
Morgan
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I feel 100% manlier after reading this book.
It outlines the overarching principles that should guide every man's life, while also including some very specific tips and instructions to do a wide variety things. This includes dating, changing a baby's diaper, self-defense, or effectively executing a man hug. The tone is a mix between jovial and a serious respect for true manhood.
It outlines the overarching principles that should guide every man's life, while also including some very specific tips and instructions to do a wide variety things. This includes dating, changing a baby's diaper, self-defense, or effectively executing a man hug. The tone is a mix between jovial and a serious respect for true manhood.
Feb 01, 2012
Patrick
rated it:
A great book to read if you are a man, want to act more like a man, or of if you would like to know how a man should treat you (and others around you). And, remember, macho and manly are not synonyms.
