'Superlative . . . a thoughtful, absorbing and hugely diverting book. Besides an astute biography, we get a panorama of the times. Lushly illustrated, carefully researched and intelligently argued, this biography will entertain and enlighten.' * George Walden, Daily Mail *
A magnificent, fantastic read: all the wonders of that incomparable age touched on with mastery. * Stephen Fry *
'Finely written and beautifully illustrated.' * Frances Wilson, Literary Review *
'Lush, funny, exhaustively researched and beautifully written. Profound . . . The reader will want neither the book, nor the intriguing life it recreates, to come to an end.' * Herald *
'Splendid . . . What makes this book much more than just a relaxed, racy biography is the way its author brings to life not just the man but also the time in which he lived.' * The Sunday Times *
'Hugely readable' * James Dellingpole, The Times *
'Ian Kelly captures the sadness and frustration that lay behind the glamour; his book is elegant and scrupulously researched, with an admirable feeling for the age . . . sensitively narrated.' * Spectator *
'A wonderful melange of social history and biography. Vibrant, witty and fact-packed . . . something of a tour-de-force.' * Claire Harman, Sunday Telegraph *
'Beautifully illustrated . . . destroys the myths. This is the only book you need to read if you want to know the whole truth about Brummell.' * Telegraph *
'Ian Kelly's magisterial, utterly gripping life of George 'Beau' Brummell is parable for modern times . . . a vivid evocation of Georgian London.' * Philip Hoare, Independent *
'Exhaustive. Every detail of Brummell's career has been exhaustively researched with the skill of a professional historian.' * Scotsman *
'Kelly tells Brummell's tale chronologically and with empathy, in prose well worthy of his aesthetic subject: Opalescent in its small perfection. Beautifully formed and dressed, this is biography at its best.' * The Times *
