Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune

How Younger Sons Made Their Way in Jane Austen's England
4.14 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 198 ratings, 50 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune by Rory Muir explores the lives of younger sons in 19th-century Britain who didn't stand to inherit the family fortune. It details the unique challenges they faced and the various paths they pursued to secure their futures. The book provides a rich historical context and personal narratives, offering insight into the social and economic intricacies of the era.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3099
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the lives of younger sons in eighteenth and early nineteenth-century Britain who couldn't inherit family wealth or titles. The book offers a deep dive into the diverse careers and adventures they pursued, blending engaging narratives with rich historical detail.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune

A portrait of Jane Austen’s England told through the career paths of younger sons—men of good family but small fortune

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A portrait of Jane Austen’s England told through the career paths of younger sons—men of good family but small fortune

In Regency England, the eldest son usually inherited almost everything, while his younger brothers, left with little inheritance, had to make a crucial decision: what should they do to make an independent living?

Rory Muir weaves together the stories of many obscure and well-known young men, shedding light on an overlooked aspect of Regency society. This is the first scholarly yet accessible exploration of the lifestyle and prospects of these younger sons.

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by these men in a time when familial hierarchy dictated their fortunes.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune by Rory Muir receives praise for its energetic and scholarly approach, combining meticulous research with readability. The book offers detailed insights into the career options available to younger sons of the gentry in Regency England. Reviewers commend Muir for his engaging style and effective use of anecdotes, bringing historical figures' lives to vivid life while maintaining a balance between factual detail and personal stories.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300273311

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 September 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 8 pp color illus.

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Rory Muir is a visiting research fellow at the University of Adelaide and a renowned expert on British history. His books include Britain and the Defeat of Napoleon and his two-part biography of Wellington, which won the SAHR Templer Medal.

Also by Rory Muir

View all

More from History & Military

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.