The Compleat Gentleman

By: Brad Miner

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

At a time of astonishing confusion about what it means to be a man, Brad Miner has recovered the oldest and best ideal of manhood: the gentleman. Reviving a thousand-year tradition of chivalry, honor, and heroism, The Compleat Gentleman provides the essential model for 21st-century masculinity.

Despite our confusion, real manhood is not complicated. It is an ancient ideal based on service to one's God, country, family, and friends, a simple but arduous ideal worthy of a lifetime of struggle.

Miner's gentleman stands out for his dignity, restraint, and discernment. He rejects the notion that one way of behaving is as good as another. He belongs to an aristocracy of virtue, not of wealth or birth. Proposing neither a club nor a movement, Miner describes a lofty code of manly conduct, which, far from threatening democracy, is necessary for its survival.

Miner traces the concept of manliness from the jousting fields of the 12th century to the decks of the Titanic. The three masculine archetypes that emerge, the warrior, the lover, and the monk, combine in the character of the "compleat gentleman". This modern knight cultivates a martial spirit in defense of the true and the beautiful. He treats the opposite sex with the passionate respect required by courtly love. And he values learning in the pursuit of truth, all with the discretion, decorum, and nonchalance that the Renaissance called sprezzatura.

The Compleat Gentleman is filled with examples from the past and the present of the man our increasingly uncivilized age demands.

©2004 Brad Miner (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"What can the word 'gentleman' have to do with 21st-century America? A lot....Miner writes with wit and charm." (Wall Street Journal)
"In erudite and witty prose, Miner explores these three facets of his concept of the gentleman through an engaging survey of knighthood, warfare and courtship....Miner's theories are consistently entertaining." (Publishers Weekly)

Good argument (with a single near-fatal flaw)

This book is a joy to read for anyone longing to escape the confines of our decadent culture. The history of gentlemanliness, chivalry, courtship, and honor that comprises the first portion of the book is sound and thorough enough, but the point of this text comes toward the end, where Miner explains what it is to be a gentleman in today?s society. He shows how it is possible and gives examples of modern day gentlemen (largely centered around the military and the heroes of 9/11).

The argument for chivalry stumbles when the author tries to make a case for martial combat. Simply, our age cannot condone martial combat because technology has eliminated the possibility of honorable combat. School shootings and the prospect of nuclear war are proof that we should find a better outlet for physical prowess. Sport is the closest thing I can think of, but it is not mentioned in the book.

The big problem with Miner?s examination is his exaltation of coolness. The way he puts it, cool (sprezzatura) is the ultimate aim of the gentleman. And while a solid case can be made for sprezzatura, coolness means nonchalance and insouciance, and those things do not always lead to refinement and excellence. Indeed, coolness is the primary aim of our culture these days and it leads directly to all the problems that Miner is trying to correct with the compleat gentleman.

It is a fine collection of refreshing ideas and is well worth the read despite its near-fatal flaw. The author is diligent in locating the source of words and ideas and it is worth the read just to know where the word ?romance? came from. Ultimately, the book will probably add some energy to the growing movement toward a more civilized society.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

A Quality Study for the Morally-Minded

In stark contrast to The Knight's Code by Robert Noland (which I also reviewed), this book is exactly what I hoped it would be. Without any religious agenda, the author extrapolates the finer points behind the concept of chivalry, traces how it evolved through the ages, and gives the reader a means by which to apply such things to life in the modern politically-correct world. As one who tries to live by a chivalric code, I found that a great many ideas here resonated with what I already understood, and many more ideas helped to build upon gaps in my understanding and appreciation. The history is interesting and accurate to the best of my knowledge, serving to facilitate the evolution of the gentlemanly mindset without alienating the reader or scaring him away. I learned plenty along the way to supplement my previous knowledge, so that's always a plus. As with any book of this nature, the information is only a curiosity unless applied, and if the reader is willing to apply the ideas within, this book could be a transformative experience... but only the reader can determine the fullness of that claim for himself.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Being a gentleman is living a tradition

This book is far more than a manners guide. It speaks deeply to the largely Western traditions of honor, valor, consideration for others, and yes, manners and the special care for women. These things are skipped over in schools today, to our diminishment. The world would be a better place if men strove more towards becoming gentlemen.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Not what I expected, either

This is a book that all liberals need to read. It provides an infusion of strength and purpose. The author is certainly not a hippie, but neither is he neo-conservative. He doesn't glorify violence, but he does preach conviction and dedication, and he acknowledges that as long as there are things worth fighting for, you'd better be prepared to fight. There's a big difference between standing up for what's right and just waxing philosophic about "the way things ought to be", and we liberals have largely forgotten that. This book is a much-needed wakeup call.

10 of 18 people found this review helpful

a need for every man to read/listen

i loved it and it gave me new insight in the role of the man in the society.

History and definition of the gentleman.

If you could sum up The Compleat Gentleman in three words, what would they be?

History. Definition. Guide.

Any additional comments?

The book is a great history and definition of the gentleman for men who are constantly aspiring to grow and improve. My wife and I listened this book and enjoyed and learned from it.

Guilty much?

Not a bad book, but I could do without the author's personal history. He dodged the draft in Vietnam and now, safely past draft age, he thinks all men should undertake military service and feels guilty about dodging the draft. Pure BS. Public service is important and Gandi was much more of a gentleman than many who can pick up a gun. I have nothing agaist the military and it is a good choice for many people, but not all public service is military service.

The history is good acurate and interesting. Good narriation.

3 of 9 people found this review helpful

Not what I expected

The author is a neo-conservative who attempts to justify the merits of war in general, religion in schools and goverment, and many right-wing values in the name of gentlemanly behavior. The basis of his arguments are not philosophical, but rather boringly historical. If you're a neo-con, you'll love this. If you are not, you'll find it ridiculous. The only thing both groups might get out of it are some interesting recommendations for other reading material about the topic. The author also likes to use big, infrequently used words needlessly that I found annoying and pompous.

8 of 28 people found this review helpful

Pure manliness information

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The narrator and the author are perfect, I believe this is a far better read as an audio book

Any additional comments?

A book about being a real man, no rules of how to make other people feel happy , full of useful insights into how all men should carry them selves in the world. Love it

2 of 2 people found this review helpful