The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood Hardcover – October 4, 2011

"The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood" is a compendium of anecdotal examples of manliness compiled by William Bennett from the lives or writings of real people ranging from saints to soldiers. Arguably a companion to his earlier work, The Book of Virtues, this book is worthy of a place on the dining room table or wherever a family regularly gathers long enough for five-to-ten minutes of thought-provoking reading.Bennett considers the role of men under seven headings: In War; at Work; in Play, Sports and Leisure; in the Polis (community); with Woman and Children; in Prayer and Reflection; and, at the End. His choices are unashamedly western, Judaeo-Christian in cultural character although not all would lay claim to embracing Christianity. He writes from a deep concern over "...the collapse of what is known as the code of men, or the code of a gentleman" (Kindle loc 511). This code, he explains, dictates that men "...keep their word, whether in writing or not...do not take advantage of women...support their children...watch their language, especially around women and children" (Kindle loc 513).The book does not stand on a platform of halos and harps. "Each man portrayed here," writes Bennett, "falls short of the ideal in some way. Still, from each man represented here something can be learned" (Kindle loc 551). With that in mind, the author is clear as to his intent: "This book argues that while the plot, actors, and scenes are constantly changing, the virtues, characteristics, and challenges of manhood remain the same today as thousands of years ago and that more than ever we need men who live like men" (Kindle loc 567).Although the book is not an evangelistic defense of Christian theology per se, it does treat the subject of manliness in terms of faith, free from secular taboos. If I were still teaching a worldview class, I would include in the curriculum in the second semester, a project in which students drew from a hat one of the sketches from this book. They would then argue for against the proposition illustrated in the choice based on their developing understanding of the Judaeo-Christian roots of western culture.

Mr. Bennett's book explains through timeless great writings in literature, history, and philosophy what is means to be a man, how he should live, and how to pass on those lessons. He begins with an introduction about some disturbing facts about men today. David Brooks observed that today only 20% of men ages 25 - 54 work. In 2007 only 40% of men between 25 and 29 were married. Our culture is in trouble with this growing under-class of men who are dependent on the government and not helping grow our economy, paying taxes, getting married and raising children in a stable environment and passing on the tradition, insights and disciplines of true men. I enjoyed the author's selection of writing of great authors in categories: Man at War; Man at Work, Man in Play, Sports, Leisure; Man in the Polis, Man with Woman and Children; and finally Man in Prayer and Reflection. This is a book to be savored by reading a couple of selections at a time and then spending time reflecting on how to apply the lesson in our life. Would recommend to any age man who aspires to become a well-rounded and respected man in your family, community, and nation.

A collection of classical stories, speeches and poems demonstrating what it means to be a man in all aspects of life - or at least that's the idea. While Bennett divides the book into sections dealing with separate areas of daily life - war, work, leisure, family, community and spirituality - the problem is that the book's picture of a heroic, manly role-model is very lopsided towards an ideal of military virtue. Most of the cited authors are great historical leaders - high ranking government officials or generals. To Bennett, "War provokes the highest virtues of man's soul ... honor, fortitude, service and sacrifice." At places the book reads like an Uncle Sam recruitment brochure praising loyalty and obedience to orders, or as one of the speeches says it (from JFK), "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Needless to say, you will read too little from the world's greatest thinkers, scientists or businessmen.Lopsided or not, I still recommend the book, especially for young boys who otherwise might get all their ideas about manhood from popular culture - there surely are worse choices to counterweight that picture than Theodore Roosevelt or Marcus Aurelius.

Great product. Inspirational for any son on his road to being an adult. My oldest son loved it (and still does). Now I've gifted it to my youngest son just before he enters High School.

This book is a series of stories, poems and pieces of liturature which reflect the character traits that make up a good and honorable man. The book seems a bit disjointed even though Bennett wrote a short introduction to each of the pieces. None the less, I think it is a very good read, and something I would recommend to anyone who wants their son to grow up into a fine man. Some reviewers are critical of William Bennett for not comming out and pointing out the character trait he is tryingconvey in each of the pieces. But a contemplative and thinking man who wants to improve himself or his son should be able to see the point of the specific story.

So far the book has been great I never knew that so may people has done so much with the time they have truly remarkable. I think I will get another book like this from the same author but different title. I have just started reading it the poetry is very mind bending and really makes you think a lot I wish I could write like that. But anyway the rating says it. Get the book and read it for yourself?

Bought to give to one of my sons, hopefully he finds it helpful.

Livre en bonne condition. Très satisfait.