Gentleman: A Timeless Fashion

Bernhard Roetzel's "Gentleman" is one of two definitive works on classic style for men. The other book is Flusser's "Dressing the Man." While Flusser's work is primarily concerned with developing a classic style for business dress, Roetzel's "Gentleman" is about creating a classic, elegant life style. Following Mr. Retzel's philosophy, style is not something we do for others. The pursuit of style is for one's own personal satisfaction. Therefore, Mr. Roetzel focuses on an understated, conservative elegance, with an acknowledgment of the importance of details, even if no one else notices. Roetzel's book focuses on mens fashion, with a bias toward tailored English clothing, but he goes beyond business clothing, to address casual, sport, and home style. In addition to the obligatory chapters on suits, shoes, and casual dress, there are sections on grooming and fragrance, hairstyles, wristwatches, and how to enjoy an elegant, relaxing breakfast at home. This book is a treatise on gracious living, and he introduces his readers to many of the small luxuries which no one should miss out on: the experience of a traditional shave from a good English barber; a pair of shell cordovan shoes; a bespoke suit; a comfortable and beautiful dressing robe. His philosophy is best exemplified by the section on eating breakfast, where he exhorts one to begin the day with a leisurely elegant ritual including "perfectly toasted bread." Personally, I barely ever eat breakfast, but the call to slow down and take the time to enjoy life's small pleasures resounds loudly none the less.The book is not perfect, and Mr. Roetzel has some rather quaint and outdated ideas (such as the kind of clothes worn by students at Ivy League universities.) Overall, however, the book is an excellent roadmap for those who wish to live a cut above the norm in this too-fast, hyper-casual, overly-efficient, mass-produced, machine-made, often-shoddy world.

As a web developer, I have recently had a run of men's custom tailoring customers. I found myself looking for an encyclopedic source of styling details and fashion fundamentals.This book by Bernhard Roetzel's provided many of the answers. It is a trove of the tried and trusted classics of men's clothing. In one volume one can find advice on combining familiar patterns, materials, fabrics and colors. Unlike the other book I consulted - Dressing the Man by Alan Flusser - breaks down the details and elements of Italian, English and American styling.To be sure, there are topics I could have done without - underwear, jewelry, umbrellas, walking canes, tobacco and pajamas, to name a few. However, if you are looking for detailed information about men's style, this is one of two books to consult.

I gave this book as a present to my son when a teenager interested in looking fine and doing the right things. Now I decided to order this copy to my grandson. It is a useful description of manners and ways that in today's world tend to disappear due to the sometimes lack of time from parents.

'Gentleman' is a good overview for any man wishing to emulate the components of a (British) gentleman's style. His suits, shirts, trousers, jackets, leisure gear, grooming products and where to buy them. There is even a section on the ideal gentleman's breakfast. Generally the information is accessible and well presented, with detailed colour photography throughout. The author's knowledge is clearly haphazard however. There are some hillarious mistakes on several pages. For example he advises that gentleman golfers playing in bad weather should wear a Barbour jacket - come on!

This is by far the best book I ever read about male fashion. It is true that it dwells almost exclusively on British tailors and shoemakers, but the truth of the matter is that they are simply the best. If you can afford a shirt from Pink or turnbull and asser, or pair of shoes from Church's or alfred sargent, you will be catapulted to the circle of the exclusive. I strongly recommend this book to every gentleman seriosuly interested in improving his wardrobe and image, with no hesitation.

Not interesting at all!!! Very small pictures.

This book is a little general. However, it has the essential of classic fashion for a gentleman's wardrove.A MUST-HAVE for someone interested in classic menswear. Highly reccomended.

I bought two of these books,one for a friend as gift,and another one for myself.I like the information in every details on wardrobes etc;however,it's written in german,but you can get a basic understanding about menswear.I highly recommend this book.

I would recommend this to any one interested in dressing up in mens wear with a proper understanding of the clothing -from under wear to over wear.

I am very happy with the condition of the book as i bought it second hand. A very helpful book if you want to know how the upper class and the upper middle class dressed and still dress in the country!Great find!

The recipient will be most impressed

This book covers the fascinating history of men's fashion. It has easy to read sections and a lot of good pictures.

The book itself is classic, must have not only for older gentlemen but also for wanna-bes (my case). Alas, the shape of the book wasn't very good (broken binding, had to repair it myself). 5* for content, 3* for the book.