About this book
Charming, witty, and distinctly observant, The Perfect Gentleman by Ralph Bergengren examines the rituals and vanities of male comportment with a dry humor that still resonates a century after it was written. This collection of essays—part social commentary, part cultural history—ranges from practical riffs on shaving, shoes, dress, and tailors to playful meditations on making calls, afternoon tea, and the restless vanity of appearing “perfect.” Bergengren blends literary allusion and sharp anecdote to capture the post‑Victorian moment when old codes of etiquette met modern self‑consciousness.
Rooted in 1919’s social landscape yet keenly attuned to timeless human foibles, these short nonfiction pieces sit comfortably at the intersection of literature and essay, offering both historical portrait and gentle satire. Bergengren’s voice is conversational and precise: he admires the ideal of the gentleman even as he exposes its comic excesses, making social manners feel both instructive and entertaining.
Ideal for listeners who enjoy essay/short nonfiction, literary humor, and cultural history, this audiobook is perfect for anyone curious about manners, identity, and the pleasures of observing human behavior. Listen for witty insights that remain surprisingly relevant to modern life.
