English Gentleman

by Douglas Sutherland

Tongue-in-cheek treatment of the legendary upper class man which examines his habits, actions and viewpoints concerning such diverse considerations as wardrobe, war, the Church and domestic habits.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published December 31, 1978

Reviews

[The Wrath of Eleny]

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]

Witty. Funny.

[Lance Hendrickson]

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

[Jenny's Book Life]

*** 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]

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]

Not the best of this type of book.

[Alan Pottinger]

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