10 books every gentleman should read

In the elegantly appointed residence of a rakish gentleman, each element is a testament to his refined tastes, from his impeccably tailored wardrobe to his well-stocked kitchen. However, the bookshelf often reveals a contrasting narrative. Cluttered with ephemeral thrillers and mundane autobiographies, it lacks the timeless elegance found elsewhere in his domain. A gentleman’s library, much like his sartorial choices, should be a sanctuary of sophistication and intellect. This 'capsule library' isn't merely about occupying space — it's about enriching the mind and soul. Here, carefully chosen volumes should not just entertain but enlighten, mirroring the enduring style and substance of their owner.

Here, The Rake presents its selection: 10 books every gentleman should get for their lasting value and their ability to transform the everyday into an extraordinary experience of culture and wisdom.

Raucous, uninhibited parties; decadence and indulgence of the most glamorous varieties; mint juleps, classic cars and suavely elegant suits doing the rounds — it’s a gentlemanly work of literature in every possible sense, with Jay Gatbsy maintaining his status as one of the most famous literary gentlemen of all time.

This is a book bursting with riotous parties and gloriously decadence — though with opium dens, and a little more Gothic horror than our American predecessor: rather than pining over a long-lost love, Gray does a deal with the devil in order to preserve his breathtaking youth and beauty. It’s creepy, it’s chilling: and it’s a rollicking ride from start to finish.

Central character Count Alexander Rostov is placed, indefinitely, under house arrest at Moscow’s Hotel Metropol in 1922. If you’re thinking that being stuck in a luxury hotel wouldn’t be too bad, we’ll hasten to add that Rostov was only permitted to stay in an attic room (though he does have full run of the hotel, so it’s not as if he’s had a positive lateral flow test). It’s moving, poignant and utterly unforgettable.

This is a book bursting with riotous parties and gloriously decadence — though with opium dens, and a little more Gothic horror than our American predecessor: rather than pining over a long-lost love, Gray does a deal with the devil in order to preserve his breathtaking youth and beauty. It’s creepy, it’s chilling: and it’s a rollicking ride from start to finish.

It’s off to 1870s New York: and an upper-class, high society, ‘Golden Age’ New York, at that. Newland Archer is an eligible young gentleman, soon to announce his engagement to the beautiful young May Welland — but when the glamorous, sophisticated Countess Olenska is introduced to their social circle, Archer finds himself caught between what he thinks is right, and what he truly wants.

Another enduringly famous story in which the elegant, debonair style has not gone unnoticed by us; but this book offers more than aspirational style and grooming tips. Ripley is one of the most famous anti-heroes ever written; and we all know the antics of the anti-heroes are far more fun to read about than those of their straight-laced, dutiful counterparts. Join Ripley on his pursuit of the hedonistic good life: at any possible cause.

It’s another book that should be required reading: not only for gentlemen, but for everyone. It’s set in the deep American South and follows the central character, Celie: a young Black girl who has a difficult start in life, to say the least — growing up as she does in a segregated society, surrounded by poverty. But when famous singer Shug Avery enters her life, Celie’s life starts to change in ways she could never have envisaged.

It’s compulsory reading for any man who professes to call himself a gentleman; as most of William Boyd’s books are, really. Told in diary form, across many decades spanning the twentieth century, the novel tells the story of the extraordinary — yet ordinary — Logan Mountstuart, delving into his time spent in Paris with Hemingway, his dealings with Ian Fleming and his terrifying (especially for anyone currently self-isolating) experience in the war. Most of all, it’s about being human: and you won’t be able to put it down.

Hemingway most famous book of all timeIt’s timeless, poignant and utterly, wholeheartedly unique — and (needless to say) it’s set by the sea, so it’s just the thing to read at any of these seaside hotels.

Shakespeare's Sonnets,

Including this collection of 154 poems in your capsule library will show an important appreciation of the artistic over name-dropping a bigger title. An abundance of drama, metaphors and an insight into Shakespeare’s personal life give his sonnets an undeniable edge.