The Amateur Gentleman

A novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Barnabas Barty, the son of a former boxing champion, who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune and decides to pursue his lifelong ambition of becoming a gentleman. This ambition leads him to leave behind his simple life at the family inn in Kent and venture into the sophisticated world of London, filled with both challenges and adventures. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Barnabas and his father, John Barty, as they react to the news of Barnabas's unexpected inheritance—seven hundred thousand pounds left by an estranged uncle. Barnabas expresses his intent to go to London to be a gentleman, much to his father's dismay. An ensuing playful physical altercation between the two highlights Barnabas's determination and his father's skepticism. Encouraged by friends from his past, Barnabas finally resolves to embark on his journey, setting the stage for his metamorphosis while pondering the intricacies of being a gentleman in the process. Through vivid dialogue and character exchanges, the opening chapters lay a humorous groundwork for Barnabas's quest for identity and societal acceptance.