After some back-and-forth with a very nice PR rep, it arrived. Here, I thought, we have yet another “guidebook for guys.” After all, men finally seem to be getting their due when it comes to lifestyle guides, how-to books and advice sites (OTC being one of the earlier ones, thanks you very much!).

So, when I was asked to review a pre-release copy of The Man’s Book, by Thomas Fink, I thought I had this one pretty well sorted out.

It turns out that I am only partially correct.

Yes, it is a guide for guys. But really, it’s an encyclopedia for how to be a man. Unabashedly “guy,” it covers classics like instructions on how to best do bent knee sit-ups and organizing a game of beer pong. But it’s a lot more than that. A whole lot more.

From details on wine tasting (pg. 115) to dressing for a white tie event (pg. 70), this guide book is a jack-of-all-trades addition to your library.

From the publisher:

The Man’s Book is the authoritative handbook for men’s customs, habits and pursuits – a vade mecum for modern-day manliness. Organized in a man-logical way, it records unspoken customs, catalogs essential information, and guides you through the sometimes complex rituals of a man’s life. It is also up to date: it notes the latest trends and anticipates what lies ahead.

At a time when the sexes are muddled and masculinity is marginalized, The Man’s Book unabashedly celebrates being male. Chaps, cads, blokes and bounders, rejoice: The Man’s Book will bring you back to where you belong.

I learned that there are eight ways to tie your shoes – eight. I think that maybe I have used three at the most, more often just one. I’m now feeling a bit inadequate in the footwear department.

For those so inclined, Mr. Fink also co-authored a book entitled The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie. For this smaller tome he pared the list down to a mere 15 options (pg. 74). In his day job Fink is a theoretical physicist, so his brevity, such as it is, is greatly appreciated.

Overall, this is a truly creative and useful little book. Incidentally, while this is its first U.S. printing, the current edition of The Man’s Book is actually its third, having been published in Europe for several years.

Much to my chagrin, there is actually more interesting and remarkably practical information than you can shake a stick at. I love it. And since it will most certainly make me seem extra witty and world wise, It’s also going on the top shelf.

It would appear that I’ve finally made it to the big leagues of blogdom. Workman Publishing recently contacted me to ask that I review The Official Filthy Rich Handbook, by Christopher Tennant.

This pretender to The Official Preppy Handbook throne has been making the reviewer’s rounds and I have secretly hoped to be among the chosen few to peer critically though this (satirical?) homage to the world of the super-rich and super-vain.

It’s a hilarious and very well written book. It also looks like a handbook and is quite at home next to my dog eared copy of The Official Preppy Handbook. One of the enduring charms of the OPH is the fine line it treads between satire and real-world guide. If you so chose, you could very well live your life according to the OPH. The same can be said of The Official Filthy Rich Handbook – assuming you have several hundred million dollars. Make that a billion.

The book is romp through the many aspects of living the life of the super rich; from where to live to the nuances of owning your own Boeing 767. Where to vacation (Ibiza and Formentera), how many polo ponies should you own (at least eight), and which hangers-on are most important to have in your retinue (therapist and life coach top that list). The insightful commentary is clever and witty as it is biting.

While not a realistic guide, per se, it offers a wonderful primer on living well and what, exactly, constitutes “well.” To wit, the chapter “Buying a Better You” covers both the ridiculous, like a clip-and-save Non Disclosure Agreement for your staff, and the interesting, such as which once Blue Chip luxury names are now considered a bit too pedestrian (think Burberry and Tiffany & Co.).

A la Preppy Handbook, there is a tongue-in-cheek schematic of the typical billionaire closet on which one might wish to model their own. From the rack of Kiton “K-50” custom suits which start at about $50,000 each, to the custom stingray John Lobb lace ups, it is a tour de force in over the top branding. Caring for one’s clothing is also touched upon: drop everything on the floor. Your domestic help will eventually pick it up and put it where it needs to be.

The sections on heirs and child-rearing are a hoot. And it is here that the book is closest to its Official Preppy Handbook muse; updating readers on the proper prep schools and which colleges are acceptable back-ups for your less than brilliant offspring.

All in all, The Filthy Rich Handbook is a worthy and guffaw-inducing successor to that paragon of parody, The Official Preppy Handbook. Buy up some extras and give them to your household staff for Christmas.