Customer Reviews

Debrett's Guide for the Modern Gentleman

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I just love this book. It covers basically anything you've ever had a question about. Back hair, Sex, the proper blazer length, how to break off a date, cologne, and tons more. If you want to brush up on your manners this is the book for you. It's a pleasure to read, with loads of illustrations and diagrams. The authors are unapologetic and blunt, with just the right amount of witty humor.

I don't like criticising Debrett's or anything etiquette-related in this vulgarian society, but this book falls below the expected and far below the outstanding in every direction it endeavours in: wit, clothing, travelling, music, what to eat, what to read, what to watch. It tries to cover up it's lack of wit and practically not a single essay or opinion with mountains of dry lists of things that one already knows, never really cared for, or needn't consult a list in an etiquette book for (how to ski list, hotel tips list, proposing rules list, and how to choose underwear)
The main mistake here is not even the topics, anyone good can make a list of what to bring to Mt. Everest or how to choose a diamond ring dashed interesting and gentlemanly, it's that they don't dare tell you anything, only quote well known and cut-down facts into 5-word sentences that falls so short of being a flowing read, never even mind the witlessness. Facts are meant to be tactfully and artistically presented, not shoved down one's throat.