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The Philosophy of Beards

Series: Philosophies
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( 158 ratings, 30 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
The Philosophy of Beards by Thomas S. Gowing is a humorous exploration of the cultural and historical significance of facial hair. The book delves into the reasons why beards have been revered and reviled across ages, interwoven with witty anecdotes and light-hearted commentary. It offers a delightful examination of beards as symbols of masculinity and wisdom, presented in an engaging and amusing style.
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Format: Hardback
$2999
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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?

If you appreciate witty and amusing perspectives on personal grooming, this charming exploration from the Victorian era will tickle your fancy. It humorously examines the cultural and philosophical significance of facial hair, offering a delightful read for anyone interested in historical humour or the eccentricities of past grooming practices.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

This eccentric Victorian book argues a strong case for the universal wearing of a beard - that essential symbol of manly distinction since ancient times.

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

'The absence of Beard is usually a sign of physical and moral weakness.'

'Take two drawings of the head of a lion, one with and the other without the mane. You will see how much of the majesty of the king of the woods, as well as that of the lord of the earth, dwells in this free-flowing appendage.'

'There is scarcely a more naturally disgusting object than a beardless old man. The Beard keeps gradually covering, varying and beautifying, and imparts new graces even to decay, by heightening all that is still pleasing, veiling all that is repulsive.'

This eccentric Victorian book argues a strong case for the universal wearing of a beard - that essential symbol of manly distinction since ancient times. Thomas S. Gowing contrasts the vigour and daring of bearded men through history with the undeniable effeminacy of the clean-shaven.

He reminds the modern man that 'ladies, by their very nature, like everything manly', and cannot fail to be charmed by a 'fine flow of curling comeliness'.

The Philosophy of Beards is now republished for the first time since 1850, accompanied by illustrations of impressive beards from history.

Series: Philosophies

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  • The Philosophy of Gin
    Few if any alcoholic drinks have the dramatic and multi-faceted history of gin. In this fascinating new instalment of the British Library's pocket philosophies, gin is explored through its origins in Holland, where it was popularised by William of Orange; its roots in medicine; its capacity to provide an albeit destructive escapism during the Gin Craze; its influence on language...
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  • The Philosophy of Beer
    Have you ever wondered about the difference between a lager and an ale? Or marvelled at how, with only four basic ingredients, there are around 150 different styles of beer? In The Philosophy of Beer, Jane Peyton, the UK's first Beer Sommelier of the Year, distils practical advice from the incredible history of the nation's favourite beverage. The book spans...
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  • The Philosophy of Coffee
    The Philosophy of Coffee is a short, entertaining, and illuminating introduction to the history and culture of coffee. From the humble origins of the bean in northeast Africa over a millennium ago, coffee has evolved into a global phenomenon that is enjoyed around the world. This book is the perfect gift for coffee lovers, featuring chapters on the rise of...
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  • The Philosophy of Puddings
    Just what is a pudding? We all have our favourites, whether it is a school-dinner jam roly-poly with custard, or a Yorkshire pud with onion gravy, a Burns' Night haggis or the Christmas plum pudding. The humble pudding started out as a savoury meal boiled in either animal intestine or in a cloth. With the advent of pudding bowls and...
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  • The Philosophy of Tea
    How did drinking the infusions of a unique plant from China become a vital part of everyday life? This gift book presents an entertaining and illuminating introduction to the history and culture of tea, from its origins in the Far East to the flavours and properties of different varieties, and the rituals of tea preparation and drinking around the world....
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  • The Philosophy of Wine
    A companion volume to The Philosophy of... Beards and Coffee, this witty history of wineβ€”its cultivation and enjoymentβ€”sheds light on the rich traditions of wine from around the world. An apt gift for oenophiles everywhere, it includes chapters on the development of wine production, from the use of casks to bottles to the switch from feet to presses, as well...
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  • The Philosophy of Tattoos
    Tattooing is an ancient practice with profound religious and cultural significance. While Western tattooing centres on three main traditionsβ€”Polynesian, Japanese, and Euro-Americanβ€”it has been recorded more or less everywhere. Beginning with the birth of the tattoo, John Miller explores this unique expression of personal, cultural, and national identity, the tension between tattoo’s status as a fashion item and its roots...
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  • The Philosophy of Board Games
    Throughout history, people have wanted to conquer, plot and travel across the world in two dimensions. From the murky origins of humanity's earliest pastimes, where fortune-telling and play blur, to modern ventures into Monopoly, board games have shaped everything from how we conduct war to the art we create. What is it that makes them so addictive, so constantly inviting...
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  • The Philosophy of Beards
    'The absence of Beard is usually a sign of physical and moral weakness.' 'Take two drawings of the head of a lion, one with and the other without the mane. You will see how much of the majesty of the king of the woods, as well as that of the lord of the earth, dwells in this free-flowing appendage.' 'There...
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  • The Philosophy of Whisky
    The true pioneer of civilization is not the newspaper, not religion, not the railroad but Whiskey! - Mark Twain From illicit distillation to worldwide export, whisky has a powerful and multi-faceted history. Writers including Robert Burns, James Joyce, and Haruki Murakami have all mused on it, and there are strong opinions on every aspect, even down to how the word...
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  • The Philosophy of Cheese
    Patrick McGuigan is a British food journalist and cheese writer, who contributes to The Telegraph, Delicious and The Financial Times, among many other titles. He has travelled the world, from the Swiss Alps to the hipster cheese bars of New York, to write about cheese makers, maturers and retailers. A senior judge at the World Cheese Awards, Patrick also teaches...
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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?

i>The Philosophy of Beards by Thomas S. Gowing is described as a charming and entertaining manifesto. It is particularly noted for being rich in whimsical commentary on facial hair, appealing to a wide range of readers with its humour, despite offering minimal philosophical depth.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780712357661

Publisher: British Library Publishing

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 23 October 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The British Library Publishing Division

Illustration: 8 black & white illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Thomas S. Gowing is the author of Normal Schools: And the Principles of Government Interference with Education.

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