The Transformation of Philip Jettan

“If Austen was the first queen of the contemporary romance . . . Heyer is the first of the historical romance.”—From the foreword by Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

“One of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable.”—Stephen Fry, The Guardian

Philip Jettan is unruly. Unrefined. Unfashionable. But is that what she loves about him?

Previously published as Powder and Patch, this edition of The Transformation of Philip Jettan features the restored final chapter.

Cleone Charteris never had to look far to find an eligible bachelor. Her neighbor and best friend since childhood has made no secret of his intentions to marry her. Now that he’s a full-grown man, there’s only one small problem: He disdains art, fashion, and etiquette—all the things that Cleone cherishes most. If only it were possible to improve a man. . . .

Philip Jettan doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with a man preferring manly things, but he’ll do whatever it takes to win Cleone’s heart. So Philip travels to Paris, where, under the tutelage of the Marquis de Château-Banvau, he learns to duel, to write poetry, to find the perfect accessory for any outfit. But when the country bumpkin returns home a stylish dandy, he faces an unexpected challenge: convincing Cleone that he’s still the same boy who’s always loved her.

The Transformation of Philip Jettan is part of the Modern Library Torchbearers series, featuring women who wrote on their own terms, with boldness, creativity, and a spirit of resistance:

AMERICAN INDIAN STORIES • THE AWAKENING • THE HEADS OF CERBERUS • LADY AUDLEY’S SECRET • PASSING • THE TRANSFORMATION OF PHILIP JETTAN • VILLETTE