Product Description

The authoritative guide to being a man in the 21st century is here, at last. * Ever wondered which urinal you should go for in a public loo? * Ever questioned just exactly what differentiates the types of beer or where all the single malt whiskies come from? * Ever wanted to work out without actually having to go to the gym, and fancied doing it James Bond style? * Ever wanted a definitive guide to the rules of poker? If you have, you're in luck. The answers to every question you have ever needed to ask are within these pages, from how to strut your stuff on the dance floor to how to cook a decent chilli or carve a roast. Designed to help you out of any awkward situation, this book gives you any number of tips and hints for witty repartee down the pub, including why it's better to have an older mistress and the 85 ways to tie a tie. All this and so much more is explained in a systematic and intelligent way, with facts and figures, diagrams and tables. This indispensable guide for all men's rituals and practical habits belongs in every man's back pocket.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8247 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

GQ ONLINE
"a fascinating guide to being a man in the 21st century... it will make a wonderful present or simply a great guide to the confusions of modern life."

Review
"a fascinating guide to being a man in the 21st century... it will make a wonderful present or simply a great guide to the confusions of modern life." (GQ ONLINE )

"This simple cover, drawing on a more sophisticated and classic look, marks it as a lifestyle guide for the mature metrosexual. From details about spirits, to a comprehensive summary of the life of James Bond, this collection is sure to appeal to men of all tastes." (THE BOOKSELLER - Men's Lifestyle, top title )

Under the headline VIRILE AND PROUD OF IT, the reviewer says her "own in-house uber masculine metrosexual.... amid alarming belly laughter... is literally convulsing with admiration.... (Thomas Fink) is displeased by this marginalisation of masculinity. He wants gentlemen everywhere to stand up and take note. Ladies should be aware that it makes for an illuminating afternoon when they do." (NEW STATESMAN, )

"Bloke facts, rules and tips.... stacks of handy, ZOO-Style info: how to start a fire with a Coke can, make cocktails, build a treehouse." Three stars (ZOO MAGAZINE )

"A big celebration of the human male form, spelling out all the stereotypes that make us so unique. A must, if urinal etiquette confuses you." Three stars (NUTS MAGAZINE )

"Every now and then a book comes along that makes you ask yourself: why didn't I think of that....it deserves to sell in truckloads, and it probably will." (LITERARY REVIEW )

NEW STATESMAN,
Under the headline VIRILE AND PROUD OF IT, the reviewer says her "own in-house uber masculine metrosexual.... amid alarming belly laughter... is literally convulsing with admiration.... (Thomas Fink) is displeased by this marginalisation of masculinity. He wants gentlemen everywhere to stand up and take note. Ladies should be aware that it makes for an illuminating afternoon when they do."

Customer Reviews

Passage of Gentlemens Rites
Guys forget the clothes show leave that to the ladies. Lads mags, although nice to look at they're full of adverts & not much info. This book however is jam packed with little facts that will make you smarter than the average bear!

Lets admit it guys we all aspire to be a bit like James Bond. Now this book will give you a smattering of his social knowledge. Whether that's a brief guide to beers, wines & spirits. Or even better what glass they should be drunk from. I'm looking forward to asking for the proper glass down the pub. Or what you should wear to a function. Basic dress codes & even how to tie a tie in different ways. Dying arts in our increasingly casual society, I mean have you seen those massive knots people have these days. They look absolutely ridiculous. And how many times have we read that a real lady likes a smart dressed man?

But it's not just about dress sense. There's tons of information & tips on a whole range of subjects. Public loo etiquette is hilarious; every lady should read that section. Poker explained, personally I've never understood it until now.

Great book, informative, witty & well written. As previous reviewers have said there's very little of the authors opinions. Just information in a format that makes you read it from cover to cover in no time. And go back to it again and again. Highly recommended.

my book of the year
This book rocks!!! Forget opinion, this is about facts. Meticulously researched and it doesn't have the usual author bias that so many other books have.
It includes a description of the 120 single malt whiskies.
And every single badge available to Scouts.
And the 40 best night clubs.
And all the species of fresh and salt water fish.
And reviews of London's gentlemens clubs.
And the 30 traditional weights exercises.
And everything you need to know about conkers.
And a complete sports calendar.
To all my friends: you will be getting copies from me, so be warned!

really cool book
OK I'm a girl so not the target readership for this book. But I nevertheless found it quite cool. By the author of the bestselling '85 Ways to tie a tie' this is a general guide to maleness. However for women it offers a great insight into the male psyche and dilemmas we've never had to encounter, such as which urinal to select to achieve maximum privacy and yet not look paranoid! There are also great sections on female beauty ,dating and women, 'The Rules' from the opposite point of view! Thomas Fink is a theoretical physicist and puts a cool mathematic slant on what he writes, reducing problems such as choosing a restaurant on a date to a simple equation. It's great to dip into - a 'Dangerous Book for Boys' for big kids - and would make a perfect gift this christmas.