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Hello, a few months ago I adopted a Russian late-19th century man and recently he wanted to go on a tsar-sponsored Grand tour. He has frequently talked of Italy and Greece, and began painting scenes from far away lands. Is it safe to let him run off without my supervision? And if not, how can I dissuade him from this? Thank you for your help.

The dilemma of providing the best opportunities for a 19th century man means that sometimes, he may be in dangerous situations. But a certain amount of risk is worthwhile to let him live his life to the fullest.

Many a Russian artist has been drawn to the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome; from Orest Kiprensky to Karl Briullov to Vasily Polenov. Some even made the Eternal City of Rome their place of eternal rest!

Orest Kiprensky's 1828 self-portrait. Some 19th century men are happy enough with the striped robe de chambre and don't need the grand tour.

Ultimately, you have to allow your 19th century man to make his own choices. He may fall under the spell of the Mediterranean sun, but travelling across Europe can also develop into a passion for illustrating social realist scenes and folklore from his own heritage.

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Apropos your recent remarks on Regency men, the great outdoors, and military service, do you think the picture of Washington, D.C. burning is strictly necessary for this variety? Or only statistically probable? I'm worried it would clash with my collection of pastoral landscape paintings, but also wouldn't want to deprive the Regency man of necessary enrichment. Should I be looking at a different type of 19th century man more compatible with my art collection?

Hello! I am jumping ahead in the order of asks to respond to this question about managing expectations for Regency men.

The portrait with Washington, D.C. in flames is not strictly necessary for perhaps the great majority of men in this time period; but you must allow for the iconic nature of Sir George Cockburn's c. 1817 portrait in his rear-admiral's pattern 1812-25 undress coat with Hessian boots and spurs, and the burning Capitol buildings in Washington behind him. The ultimate statement in military might and Napoleonic-era civilian fashion, melded together in an expression of brilliant masculinity!

It's pronounced COH-burn, for your information.

Despite all this, some would baulk at the underlying violence of such a portrait. If your 19th century man has a penchant for this sort of display, he may be content with a comparable marine tableau—perhaps HMS Shannon capturing USS Chesapeake!

Surely, this majestic view of Halifax Harbour will compliment any pastoral landscape.

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Help! My 19th century man found my dab pen after I left it out and now won't stop asking me about it!

Oh dear! He hasn't, by any chance, seen the dab pen in use, has he? You may have engaged his natural fascination with novelty smoking devices!

If a 19th century man isn't trying to "properly colour" his meerschaum, he may be attracted to the exotic Turkish chibouk!

Now that you have opened a Pandora's box of vaping, you will need to establish boundaries. Try directing your 19th century man to etiquette books that will encourage him to avoid smoking (reassure him that your dab pen is the same sort of thing, despite the futuristic lack of flint and steel). Monitor his indulgence before you have a victim of pleasure on your hands!

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hello! i’m looking into adopted yet another 19th century man. i’ve owned several others, and am looking for something unique. are there any unique and peculiar breeds you recommend?

Sure! These heritage and unique 19th century men may not be for everyone, but I want them to get more love.

French soldier left behind on the field of battle during the 1870 Franco-Prussian War.

Poor sweetheart!! True story: the model for this 1872 painting, real French soldier Théodore Larran, met the artist Émile Betsellère many times because Betsellère was so touched by his story. Absolutely the type of 19th century man you want to rescue and love.

A jolly flatboatman.

From The Jolly Flatboatmen by artist George Caleb Bingham, 1846.

A good 19th century man doesn't have to be wealthy or formal, as these charming working class fellows attest. Perfect for the aficionado of lively, active 19th century men.

British Army 41st Regiment of Foot Soldier, c. 1800-1815.

Who doesn't have "a passion for a scarlet coat," as Jonathan Swift phrased it! Your soldier needs a lot of exercise and structure, but he's not picky about his food or bedding. Comes with his own blanket and water bottle! He's a lover, he's a fighter, I recommend delousing him before you bring him into your home.

Cossack Trowsers King.

Strutting his stuff in 1827, he has an insouciant attitude and a bold, fashion-forward look. You may want to address the fact that he's also a major source of air pollution.

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Help! My 19th century man has become obsessed with olden times. He frequently visits ruins of old castles, composes odes about Agincourt, and he even went to purchase ancient armour when he heard something about the Earl of Eglinton putting on a medieval joust. Should I allow him his eccentricities? I worry that he'll forget what year he lives in entirely!

Fear not, dear anon, because it sounds like your 19th century man is very much of his own time and place with his medieval meanderings!

Here's Prince Albert himself, notable ye olde times enthusiast, in costume as Edward III in 1842. There are a number of books about Victorian medievalism that can help you understand how your 19th century man may be turning to the past as a rejection of Age of Enlightenment values (which modernity and war have tarnished in his eyes), or perhaps as a commentary on industrial society!

The aesthetics of historical times are a big draw to 19th century people (who even made ye olde medieval jokes about it). While you want to encourage a healthy balance of interests and activities, there is nothing wrong with indulging your 19th century man's love of courtly knights and castles. This is natural behaviour for him, and many of his 19th century male friends share his interests in fancy dress costumes and historical romance.

'Knight in Armour' costume from Male Character Costumes, a guide to gentlemen's costume suitable for fancy dress balls and private theatricals (1884).

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How's the market for Regency fellows? There seems to be a trend towards early Victorian men, but I'm interested in finding a 19th century man who really suits my tastes & lifestyle. Would you recommend a Regency companion for a scholar-writer outdoors(wo)man?

Indeed, this blog has a bias for the plaid-clad set. But who can ignore the appeal of a Regency man!

Many appreciate him for the ease of his "country gentleman" look, with equestrian boots and pantaloons, and clothing that shows his figure to great effect.

When you are looking for a Regency era man in his physical prime from an educated background who loves the great outdoors, out of necessity you are drawing from a pool of largely military men. If this isn't what you want, you may have a hard time avoiding the sashes and epaulettes and paintings of Washington, D.C. in flames.

The man of the 1810s has a lot to offer, but his needs for conflict and conquest can be high! Be prepared for voluminous correspondence, long periods away on campaign, and an absolute requirement for a manservant to attend his wardrobe and toilette.

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How do I keep my 19th century man from drinking too much absinthe and moving into a brothel full time?

Ah, the age-old question of how to prevent a 19th century man from setting a course for dissipation and decadence!

There certainly is a good selection of temperance literature out there. You might try to warn him of the destructive power of alcoholic spirits with a powerful set of illustrations like 'The Bottle' (1847) by George Cruikshank.

The 1848 sequel by Cruikshank, 'The Drunkard's Children', shows the effects of prostitution and crime on the same unfortunate family.

A prisoner lies dying in his bed, his life ruined by earlier frivolity. Coloured etching by G. Cruikshank, 1848, after himself.

They're highly melodramatic and were huge media successes in their day—and hopefully, Cruikshank's cautionary tale can make a difference with your 19th century man. Good luck!

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Help! Recently I had acquired a mid-19th century townsman who seemed fairly satisfied with his wardrobe. I did my best to provide him with only woolen attire for the health benefits and the darker colors preferred by most of his type. However, lately he has taken to brighter colors and patterns on waistcoats and insists they be made of silk. I fear he might actually be a dandy. That's more than I bargained for, given the expenses and behavioral changes. Is there any way to dissuade him gently?

I think the key phrase in your enquiry is right at the beginning: a mid-19th century man. Not only does he have a predilection for patterns and bright colours, but his longer hair and likely penchant for historical costumes makes him yearn for a bold wardrobe.

Not a dandy, just the average man of the 1850s.

But don't despair for your budget just yet! There are many ready-mades and new patterns suited even for humble mid-19th century means.

New illustrated pantaloons: only 70 francs in 1843!

"Townsman" or not, your petit bourgeoisie man is from an era of flashy clothing and accessories that even a working class or lower middle-class man can obtain. You might try to steer him away from the silk textiles at the best drapers (if he's that extravagant) and towards more economical tailors.

An illustration from The Natural History of the Gent (1847), by Albert Smith, an invaluable guide to this type of mid-19th century man who loves loud patterns and bijouterie. Note his huge tie pins in the caricature drawing.

Gent or not, your mid-19th century man is probably not an inveterate dandy, but he loves his colourful clothing and dressing gown at home. It's not difficult to accommodate his natural behaviour for a happier, healthier 19th century man.

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I aspire to become a 19th century man. How can I achieve this aim?

I'm trying to clear out my inbox of enquiries, and this is a question I believe I have answered previously in how to share (the best of) 19th century culture with a young boy.

Besides overhauling your wardrobe to have more outfits suited to a range of activities (day dress, evening dress, sporting dress, etc.), learning social dancing really can't be stressed enough. Polka, waltz, quadrilles; any dancing is better than none.

Don't let this happen to you!

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I was very pleased with my English 1820s man. I made sure he had enrichment of a scholarly nature, to balance out the Romantic tendencies they have. He took to studying classical history and language, and I confess I was proud to have such an intelligent 19th century man. More recently he took an interest in current affairs but, as he is quite young, I assumed this was a sign of maturing. Then, just like that, he ran away! I went out searching and a neighbour informed me that he'd gone to Greece to fight against the Ottomans! I was horrified and went straight there, but I found him with a pack of Greek 1820s men and he adamantly refused to come home. What should I do? I worry that he will get hurt fighting, or that his constitution will not survive rough living in the Greek mountains. But he's having such a good time. He is learning the modern iteration of Greek (such a clever man), enjoys the local cuisine, and even wants to dress like his new friends. Is he in great danger if I let him stay, and how could I take him home without breaking his heart? (I don't want to risk any of those Greek 1820s men getting angry either, if I take their lucky mascot away.) Many thanks for your advice!

Romanticism and nationalism make for a very potent combination, as you have learned by now, and for many 19th century men of a certain social class and level of education, the attraction of the Classical world adds another layer of mythical folklore; not to mention the allure of pagan ceremony and skimpy neoclassical clothes.

For 1820s-1830s men, the Byronic appeal of exotic "Eastern" nations can be irresistible, and in general you will find a lot of national myth-making and interest in folk costumes.

Lord Byron in Albanian dress, 1813. This man is not Albanian!

You also have to be aware of your 19th century man's possibly very different ideas of national and imperial boundaries. He learns the polka in Bohemia, he wants to fight the Ottomans, he wants to fight in the Miguelite war—he might support Romantic German nationalism! It's not always the national and cultural understandings of the 21st century.

Being British is also not a guarantee of sensible behaviour. You might think that your British naval officer is going to rest on his laurels after the Napoleonic Wars, and the next thing you know, he's leading a fleet in the Chilean Independence movement!

Thomas Cochrane, naval officer for hire.

19th century men are not for the faint of heart. It can be challenging to balance their Romantic desires with a sensible course of action. Since your man has already spent so much time with his new Greek friends and has embraced their lifestyle, you could suggest that it's important that he document his experiences in a travel narrative that will also champion their cause.

As much as possible, you want to convince him that he's very valuable as a writer and/or visual artist giving voice to a cause—too valuable to foolishly risk his life or ruin his health abroad.

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I'm sorry for flooding your notifications, but I love this blog so much!

I'm wondering how to keep a mid 19th century man warm during the winter, especially if he enjoys staying outside for long periods of time.. What was in style during the winter? And did they wear scarves or beanies like we do today?

Not a silly question at all! For his basic winter top layer, he'll wear an overcoat with a surprisingly modern cut, like these two examples of Chesterfields from A Practical Guide for the Tailor's Cutting-room (1848).

But layers and accessories can make this much warmer. Of course he loves his comforter, as he calls it—a woolen scarf for wrapping around the neck.

A comforter by George Cruikshank, 1831.

You can find knitting patterns for comforters, muffetees, chest protectors, and other gifts for your 19th century man that will keep him warm, comfortable, and safe from draughts.

Even the adventurous winter lifestyle is accomodated with these knit caps for gentlemen, both from The Art of Knitting (1892).

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I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask but there seems to be an 19th century man on my back porch. I've given him a cup of tea but unfortunately my roommate is highly allergic to menfolk or I'd ask him inside. Is there anything else I should do for him? Or should I just leave him be?

Oh dear! You can try leaving articles of clothing for him, such as a greatcoat or macintosh, or even a cache of tinned food (which is known to attract 19th century men).

But at this point, if he hasn’t found a good home, you may want to turn to a local organisation such as a social club for 19th century gentlemen. He wasn't made to be wandering alone; he should be socialising and enjoying whitebait dinners with his peers!

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Dear expert,

I am awfully worried, for a 19th century man has seemed to take my fancy. He is a reasonable breed, hard working and healthy, but some of his views are down right deplorable! How do I gently tell him that his interest would be best placed with someone else?

You haven't given any clues as to what his deplorable views might be, dear anon, and yet this is a common problem. You can't really expect a 19th century man to have 21st century attitudes and opinions, but sometimes he's just not who you want indolently lounging in your home!

If there's one thing that makes delivering the news easier, it's his understanding of social etiquette conventions and communication. When you inform him that it's best that you terminate all intercourse, he will understand what you mean.

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What is your stance on exposing one's 19th century man to modern technology? Recently, to unwind after work I've been playing video games and every time he bounds into the room and demands to know what's going on. He stands too close to the screen and I'm concerned about the effect this might have on his already fragile constitution

19th century men are naturally very curious about technology, and entertainments like video games are sure to attract the attention of a man raised on the novelty of magic lanterns, dissolving views, phenakistiscopes, and stereoscopic daguerreotypes. His technological background is probably more sophisticated than you think.

A 19th century man enjoying a magic lantern.

If he's seen a moving panorama (a popular entertainment from the 1840s and later), it's like he already knows what a side-scrolling video game looks like!

He may have asked you already about the "electrical fluid" in your games, and an illustrated book about the electromagnetic spectrum can be wonderful enrichment for him.

It's wise to be concerned about too much screen time, and the best way to counsel restraint is to model it yourself. Try mixing your video games with other forms of entertainment (including quiet downtime and parallel play), and I'm sure your 19th century man will follow suit. Taking a constitutional walk together when you get home from work will help both of you!

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I'm getting ready for my first holiday season with my 19th century man. Can you recommend some appropriate Christmas-themed enrichment activities that he might enjoy? Also, do I need to worry about him knocking baubles off my Christmas tree? (For added context, he's an 1850s bachelor in his early forties. He's quite donnish and a bit shy with strangers, but he's also very affectionate and likes to play.)

First, my deepest apologies for this ask being neglected for so long. Although it's only November, the end of the month is Stir-Up Sunday! It's not too early to begin planning for this traditional pudding recipe, which is prepared long in advance of Christmas in an activity for the whole family.

A Victorian era man is sure to love Christmas pudding, as shown by this 1844 illustration of 'Jolly Old Christmas'! (Read the whole issue of The Illustrated London News).

Knocking baubles off the Christmas tree is not usually a behaviour issue with 1850s men, but it's a reasonable precaution to place it on a table, as in this c. 1848 scene with Prince Albert. Let your 19th century man choose small trinkets and gifts so he's not so tempted to paw at the tree.

A fun enrichment activity is making holiday garlands and festoons! These would be made out of evergreen branches and cuttings, holly, ivy, mistletoe, and other seasonal plants.

An illustration for a Christmas scene in The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, 1837 (from Victorian Web, a great source of information for 19th century men).

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Help, I'm dealing with some aggression issues in my rescue early 19th century officer. He already had a commission when I got him, and despite my best efforts he keeps going to war. I'm at my wit's end. Yes, he looks very dashing in that uniform, but I'm worried he could hurt himself, or hurt someone else's 19th century man :/

I'm sorry that you're dealing with this, which is notoriously common in 19th century men with a military background. Yes, that uniform is very appealing, but he won't stop seeking 'Glory'!

Raised in a milieu of conquest and imperialism, it can be hard to redirect this type of 19th century man into different pursuits. The traditional answer is recreational hunting, which can have some of the excitement and chaos of the battlefield.

But his drive for military engagement may be something that you have to accommodate. Try to obtain service near home, and keep him away from pith helmets before you have a Captain Peel on your hands! (It didn't end well for him).

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At left, the type of 1840s man that many people want, looking dashing in his evening costume and with the fashionable barrel chest and defined waist of his breed.

At right, a more typical example of the 1840s man that you will find at discount prices: note the striped trousers, huge paletot coat, and cigar.

This is the difference that proper vetting of your 19th century man can make! Of course, many people are happy with the Gent on the right and will gladly indulge his fashion habits and smoking.