For centuries, men have been growing and styling their facial hair, whether for the sake of vanity, religion, or cultural considerations, but most of us don't give it a second thought. "The Bearded Gentleman" is an authoritative yet lighthearted guide that offers detailed information on some fifty specific facial hair styles: where they come from, how to grow them, and how to maintain them.

Among them are many well-known styles, such as the Handlebar, the Fu Manchu, the Goatee, the Van Dyck, and the more recent Soul Patch. But there are also those that are less familiar, including the Horseshoe, the Lampshade, the Painter's Brush, the Landing Strip, the French Fork, and El Insecto (a.k.a. the Mighty). There's also practical advice on choosing a facial hair style that's right for you, as well as insight into how facial hair has figured in the history of masculinity, including its impact on politics, class, and sexuality.

"The Bearded Gentleman" is an entertaining, witty, and useful guide to facial hair styles and the men who wear them.

Allan Peterkin's previous books include "One Thousand Beards: A Cultural History of Facial Hair," featured in "Time," "Esquire," and "The New Yorker."

Nick Burns is one of the leading writers on men's grooming; he has covered skin care, fashion, and health for publications including "The New York Times," "GQ," "Details," and "Out," and he is author of the popular men's style blog HommeGrooming.com.