Review of Ian Kelly's Beau Brummell

[manton]

I reviewed Ian Kelly's fine book on the Beau in today's WSJ. Enjoy:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1146862 ... d=2_1167_1

[Etutee]

Great review! I started reading this on Manton's recomendadtion and would certainly encourage other members (esp. those unfamiliar with Beau's life) to read it.

It is quite nicely written and certainly much better than most books about Brummell.

sincerely
etutee

[Outrigger]

Excellent review Manton, I'm looking forward to reading both, your book and Mr Kelly's book. BTW are there any plans for a book launch event in London for "The Suit?"

[Alan]

Nice review, Manton. I look forward to reading the biography; I had hoped the book would be a good one, but those things are so often botched.

[uppercase]

I look forward to reading this book.

It would be interesting to learn to what extent the rise of Republicanism, and decline of the monarchy in France provided the impetus for the democratization of clothing in England during Brummell's era.

While Brummell may have been the leading exponent of simplicity in clothing , certainly the willingness by the English aristocracy to adopt plainer clothing - clothing which no longer overtly distinguished rank and privilege - needs to be viewed within the historical context of that period.

Today, ofcourse, it is within the financial grasp of everyone to dress as a merchant prince.

Clothing, whether worn with positive or ill effect, is certainly no longer a leading financial or social indicator.

[TVD]

Most interesting and well written.

One must not ignore the decline of what is called "court dress".

Polite Europe followed the fashions of Versailles for most of the eighteenth century. Following the French revolution, it was the town of Paris (no longer the court of Versailles) that set the tone, by idea and conquest. And strangely enough, the Dandy, the Milord Anglais became the fabled ideal of Paris fashion. One must only read Balzac to understand. England was the one society in Europe that was least court centric and most oligarchic (as I struggle to call it democratic), thus a perfect inspiration for the new fashion.

The Prince Regent seemed always to be characterised by private, rather than courtly ambitions (Brighton Pavillion, Carlton House, all that was a way to get away from the court at St James's) and the Beau fitted well into that concept.

I shall try to find the time to read the biography.

[Mark Seitelman]

Incidentally, Beau Brummell would feel very comfortable in Venanzi, the site of Manton's book party for June 1st.

Hint, hint, hint . . .

[Mark Seitelman]

Bravo, Manton! Excellent article.

BTW, there is an one-man show, "Beau Brummell," scheduled for the 59th Street Theaters. It is part of the British import series.

[Ray]

I think I'm wright in saying that this book has already been adapted for the small screen and will be aired in the UK this summer.

Ray

[whittaker]

I think I'm wright in saying that this book has already been adapted for the small screen and will be aired in the UK this summer.

This is correct. It will be on BBC 4, I believe. Ian Kelly, Brummell's biographer, is to play the part of Lord Robert Manners, one of the Dandical Body.