George Hell is a shallow man, fond of gambling, drinking, and womanizing. Set in his socialite ways, George does whatever it takes to satisfy his desires. However, when cupid strikes George with his arrow, his lavish life is thrown into disarray. Now head over heels for a young dancer named Jenny, George immediately proposes to her, confident that no woman can resist him. But, after Jenny rejects George, claiming that she would only marry a man with the face of a saint, George is forced to reflect on his lifestyle. First, he attempts to buy a solution, going to a shop to buy a mask of a saint’s face. Now assuming a new identity of George Heaven, George proposes to Jenny once again, hoping that his new identity will trick Jenny into falling in love with him. When she agrees to marry him, George is delighted that his plan worked, but cannot abandon his charade. Slowly, with the help of Jenny’s love, George is able to let go of his vain nature, growing to be a better person. However, as Jenny and George enjoy their new, happy life, George’s ex-lover, La Gambogi, resents the sentiment. Determined to prove that George is not the man he says he is, La Gambogi sets out to expose George’s true face.
Featuring masterful storytelling and themes of redemption, true love, and morality, The Happy Hypocrite by Max Beerbohm is a bright comedy with a valuable message. With complex characters and exemplary prose, Beerbohm’s work is clever and entertaining, inspiring laughter and reflection. First published in 1897, The Happy Hypocrite continues to be humorous centuries later, appealing to the wit of modern readers.
This edition of The Happy Hypocrite by Max Beerbohm features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, The Happy Hypocrite caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original levity of Beerbohm’s work.
