Description

Book Synopsis
A portrait of Jane Austen’s England told through the career paths of younger sons—men of good family but small fortune

Trade Review
“Energetic and scholarly.”—Paula Byrne, Times (UK)

“A readable book.”—Jonathan Guthrie, Financial Times

“Muir gives us plenty of detail—numbers recruited at different periods, premiums paid and salaries earned—he illuminates the hard facts with vignettes of actual lives lived.”—Richard Francis, Spectator

“Meticulously researched and eminently readable.”—Fergus Butler-Gallie, Literary Review

“Jane Austen’s brothers are among the examples considered here, as the options are explored in fascinating detail.”—Discover Britain

“[Rory Muir] writes eloquently and entertainingly about his subject matter, giving anecdotal detail alongside the financial, and so brings these men and their careers to life.”Matilda Harden, The Georgian

“Written with the light, engaging style, and deft balancing of detail, analysis and anecdote. . . . Muir has achieved an admirable mastery of a wider-ranging topic, offering a ground-breaking comparative study of the career options that faced younger sons of the gentry.”—Zack White, Romance, Revolution & Reform

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune

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    £12.99

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 13 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Rory Muir

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune by Rory Muir

      Publisher: Yale University Press
      Publication Date: 12/09/2023
      ISBN13: 9780300273311, 978-0300273311
      ISBN10: 0300273312

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A portrait of Jane Austen’s England told through the career paths of younger sons—men of good family but small fortune

      Trade Review
      “Energetic and scholarly.”—Paula Byrne, Times (UK)

      “A readable book.”—Jonathan Guthrie, Financial Times

      “Muir gives us plenty of detail—numbers recruited at different periods, premiums paid and salaries earned—he illuminates the hard facts with vignettes of actual lives lived.”—Richard Francis, Spectator

      “Meticulously researched and eminently readable.”—Fergus Butler-Gallie, Literary Review

      “Jane Austen’s brothers are among the examples considered here, as the options are explored in fascinating detail.”—Discover Britain

      “[Rory Muir] writes eloquently and entertainingly about his subject matter, giving anecdotal detail alongside the financial, and so brings these men and their careers to life.”Matilda Harden, The Georgian

      “Written with the light, engaging style, and deft balancing of detail, analysis and anecdote. . . . Muir has achieved an admirable mastery of a wider-ranging topic, offering a ground-breaking comparative study of the career options that faced younger sons of the gentry.”—Zack White, Romance, Revolution & Reform

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