The Transformation of Philip Jettan

First published in 1923, “The Transformation of Philip Jettan” is the charming tale of romance and self-discovery by English author Georgette Heyer. Widely credited with creating the historical romance genre and particularly famous for her Regency romance novels, Heyer was adept at writing engaging tales with complex characters engaged in the pursuit of love in the mannered and proper world of nineteenth century England. “The Transformation of Philip Jettan”, later republished in 1930 as “Powder and Patch”, is the story of the simple and plainspoken country gentleman Philip Jettan and his love for the fickle Cleone Charteris. She refuses to accept Philip’s love, with his disdain for the powdered wigs and high heels favored by fashionable men of the time, so he leaves for Paris to polish his image and hopefully become what Cleone desires. When Philip returns a social sensation and bedecked in all the trappings of a sophisticated rake, Cleone suddenly finds that she regrets having what she asked for and perhaps the simple and earnest Philip was more attractive than she realized. Witty and well-written, “The Transformation of Philip Jettan” is an entertaining and satisfying novel for all fans of historical romance.