The English Gentlemen's Wife

by D. Sutherland, Duchess of Newcastle; Introduction by Lady Windlesham (Prudence Glynn); drawings by Timothy Jaques S, Timothy Jaques (Illustrator)

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; the kind read by those who long to be recognized as part of the real gentry by the way they use their finger bowl or address an archbishop. 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 (invariably the very opposite of what the outsider might think). Not to mention advice on the correct attitude toward money (it's vulgar), sex (it's vulgar), and business (it's vulgar unless, of course, it's run at a heavy loss). A hilarious initiation into the eccentric world of the stiff upper lip.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

96 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 1979

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In this delightful companion volume to his best-selling The English Gentleman, Douglas Sutherland embarks on another lively dissection of English society, demonstrating that upper-class Englishmen have a disarmi9ng ability to laugh good-naturedly at their female counterparts as well as at themselves. We are reminded that Queen Victoria invented the English Lady and that the true lady emulates the present Queen in her dress. She correctly sees as little as possible of her children, is very 'careful' with her money and either regards sex as an unpleasant duty or 'far too good for the common people', in which case she sees that the maid is under lock and key at night.

"Wise hints for ladylike comportment are imparted here as well as examples of disastrous faux pas -- overtipping, overdressing, using a new tea service, discarding used string, and so on."
~~back cover

Charming little essays, full of humor and satire, creating a pleasant interlude, smiles of recognition and outright laughter.

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains: Satire and a glimpse into the past.

Genre(s): Non-Fiction

Summery: Written in a male perspective, this is a satirical take on the English lady.

What I enjoyed about this story: Clearly it wasn't taking itself too seriously and there was plenty of humour.

What I didn't enjoy about this story: Did not appreciate the author's take one equal gender opportunities, but I expected sexism and misogyny.

Official rating: 3 stars

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

“In place of enjoying the comforts of their fortress homes the emancipated young ladies sought by every means in their power to break down the system which had so long protected them. Squeaking excitedly equal opportunities with men they battered at the imagined doors of male privilege from which many a male would gladly escape if he did not have a wife and children to support”

21 June 1837 -

Hmmmm

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I bothered reading this, but I enjoyed the satire.

[Spazfungus · Rating 1 out of 5]

sometimes it tries too hard to be funny. overall ok

[Bhan13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have been more amusing if it were expanded and a bit less dated.