first published in 1913, is a classic adventure novel set in Regency-era England. It follows the story of Barnabas Barty, a young man of humble origins, who embarks on a journey to transform himself into a true gentleman after coming into a large fortune.
Barnabas, the son of a prizefighter, inherits a significant sum of money from his father and decides to use it to rise above his station in life. Determined to prove that character, rather than birth, makes a gentleman, he travels to London, where he encounters a series of challenges, both romantic and social. Along the way, he must navigate the complexities of Regency society, fend off enemies, and win the heart of the beautiful Lady Cleone Meredith.
The novel is a charming mix of romance, adventure, and social commentary, exploring themes of class, identity, and personal growth. Farnol’s vivid descriptions of 19th-century England, combined with his engaging characters and witty dialogue, create an entertaining and uplifting tale about what it truly means to be a gentleman.
Known for its lighthearted tone and dashing protagonist, The Amateur Gentleman became one of Jeffery Farnol's most popular works, contributing to his reputation as a master of historical adventure fiction.