I have quite a soft spot for chocolate. Or most food stuff for that matter, if I’m completely honest. But I do have a sweet tooth. A few weeks ago, I was invited along to a chocolate masterclass by the kind people at Joe Blogs (not to be confused with the infamous Joe Bloggs). For […]
This is the second on a little mini-series celebrating classic items that are the best in class. If you missed the first on the Barbour jacket, do have a squint. This one concerns the gentleman’s pocket knife. In these modern times of gang warfare and knife crimes, the humble pocket knife has suffered. I look […]
In which G.M. Norton urges you to get the latest copy of In Retrospect magazine. As a keen writer, I feel fortunate to have written for four published magazines to date. It all began with Pretty Nostalgic, the beautifully crafted magazine-book. Sadly, after penning three gentleman’s guides, my involvement with them seems to have reached […]
Socks, the thoughtless yet practical Christmas gift for chaps who quite frankly, would still very much appreciate a train set. Due to such disappointing experiences, men have mastered the art of feigning gratitude for nondescript socks, probably purloined on a whim while stood in a department store queue. Such a sorry episode is doing the […]
As an aspiring English gentleman, not only is it important to look and behave impeccably, it is also vital to be a fragrant fellow too. Athletic odour should be avoided at all costs. As part of one’s grooming ritual and sitting proudly in any self-respecting chap’s medicine cabinet is a trusty bottle of aftershave. Sat […]
As a keen sock lover, I was overjoyed to be sent a rather splendid pair of socks for review by Marko John’s. If you’re not familiar with Marko John’s, they’ve been making socks in Blighty since 1895. A dashed long time, I’m sure you’ll agree! Gift box They make a fine selection of brightly […]
You may not be aware, dear reader, but as I have no inheritance to squander, I work the old nine to five, chained to a desk made of that pretend wood. You know the stuff, with the wood veneer masking its true shoddy self. Three or four weeks ago (I do forget the small details […]
For gentlemen searching for the perfect shave, the straight (or cut-throat) razor is undoubtedly the best option available. Especially if you’re looking to introduce a touch of danger into your morning routine. The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter However, for the vast majority of traditional wet shavers who don’t want to bother with the […]
In which G.M. Norton idly ponders whether Jerome K. Jerome would approve. Well, it’s officially summer. And by a strange coincidence (it’s as if it was planned), the summer issue of In Retrospect is out now and available to get your filthy hands on. Issue 07 is a real humdinger, chums. We have the best writers […]
I like to describe Norton of Morton as ‘an analogue periodical in a digital age’. As the jolly throwback that I am, I love to dress in a manner befitting of a gentleman and aspire to behave in such a way. Impeccable manners, courtesy and respect all form part of the moral compass that guides […]
I first came across Shaun Gordon on Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer’s Twittering page. He had attended the launch for a new tie collection by an immaculately-dressed gentleman described as “not your average tie-maker”. Aware of Mr. B’s commendable taste in neckwear (have you seen the Gentleman Rhymer’s own range of Partridge-esque club ties?), I […]
A lovely lady from Scaramanga sent me an electronic telegram to ask if I would be interested in one of their leather bags. Seeing it as my duty to review one for you, I agreed without hesitation. You need to be assured of their quality, after all. Sharing a name with my favourite ever […]
So far, we’ve looked at two eccentric military heroes as part of the Mad Dogs and Servicemen series. First of all, there was “Mad Jack” Churchill who went World War Two armed with a sword and a bow and arrow. Then there’s the splendidly named Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart. Known as ‘the unkillable soldier’, […]
With Christmas almost upon us like an eagle hovering over a startled lamb, I’d like us to raise our collective glasses to toast the gentlemen of Christmas past, present and future. Christmas past – the Christmas Star and the Three Wise Men As we all know, Bing Crosby was the Star of Christmas, single-handedly revolutionising […]