The Transformation of Philip Jettan (Unabridged‪)‬

Hoping to win the hand of lovely Cleone Charteris, Philip Jettan discovers that wealth and country manners are not enough. Cleone has been exposed to the gallantries of London society and finds Philip too blunt and boorish. His sophisticated father agrees and the frustrated young man departs for Paris and an education.

To become "a la mode" in 18th-century Paris requires a complete transformation: men of elegance dress in elaborate satins and lace, wear powdered wigs and paint their faces. Philip is a quick study and when he next meets Cleone, greeting her with deep bows and mincing French phrases, the young lady realizes that this was more than she bargained for.

Misunderstandings ensue.

Georgette Heyer published "The Transformation of Philip Jettan" when she was 21 years old. It was an auspicious beginning for the author Stephen Fry describes as "one of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable." (The Guardian; October 2021.)