Ten Speed Press has just come out with a new edition of The Modern Gentleman, a witty guide to “essential manners, style and vice”.
Written by Phineas Mollod and Jason Tesauro – pictured above with a 1964 Ferrari 250 Berlinetta Lusso straight out of the Steve McQueen stable – the book offers primers on everything from etiquette to artisanal food, boutique spirits, and the best in style.
The Modern Gentleman, a witty guide to “essential manners, style and vice”
Tesauro is the kind of guy who knows how to saber the top off a champagne bottle; next month he’s co-hosting the Wine Blog Awards at the 2011 North American Wine Bloggers’ Conference.
New sections in the book include the Digital Man, the Local Epicure and the Bespoke Gent.
There’s also a sizable chapter devoted to motoring; we’ve got some exclusive excerpts below.
Grab a copy for the full treatment though, it’s well worth it.
Images courtesy of Kristel Poole Photography
Speeding:
Interpret speed postings as a gauge of terrain. Typically, 75 mph signs aren’t found on winding trails.
Of course, there is the law. One weighs the benefits of speed with the inconvenience of moving violations and night court. In general, reserve the lead foot for open stretches, familiar territory, and summertime trips with the top down.
‘One weighs the benefits of speed with the inconvenience of moving violations’
Getting clocked:
Never answer the question, “Know how fast you were going?” with an actual integer. If pressed further, state valid excuses with contriteness, not drama.
The most effective requests for leniency are truthful (medical or family emergencies, relationship heartache) or a simple petition (“Could you kindly issue me a warning this time?”).
Automotive decor:
A gentleman does not parade cutesy back-window stuffings, windshield-obstructing rearview-mirror danglings, or side-window suction-cup signage.
Eschew the stupidity of fake limbs dragging from the trunk and raccoon tails in the gas tank.
Window placards announcing mothers-in-law or toddlers on board are the marquee of blockheaded drivers and guarantee curbed courtesy from other motorists.
‘A gentleman does not parade cutesy back-window stuffings’
Bumper stickers:
These auto op-ed pieces incite tailgaters to honk in good humor, recognize fellow alums, or dream of later keying your fine hatchback.
Bumper space is valuable: the gentleman limits himself to two items on the fender, if any. Sticker creep is not tolerated; peel away refugees that have migrated to the lower trunk. Err on the side of none.
Road Trips:
Motoring for the sake of rolling scenery and the joy of crossing state lines is worth more than discount airfare.
Peanut baggies at 35,000 feet have nothing on craggy coastlines and the salty wind smacking at your T-top along the cruise north on U.S. 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
‘Peanut baggies at 35,000 feet have nothing on craggy coastlines’
Reprinted with permission from The Modern Gentleman, second edition: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy & Vice. Copyright © 2011 by Phineas Mollod and Jason Tesauro, Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA
- Posted June 29, 2011
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- Kristel Poole Photography
