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.