Very little is known about the life of Thomas S. Gowing: not when or where he was born, not when or where he died. It is not even known what name that "S." responds to. intermediate between "Thomas" and "Gowing." The only certain thing about this book is that it was first published in 1854 and that it is based on a lecture given by the mysterious Gowing. We can imagine him making great speeches and very bravely defending the use of the beard as a badge. From the heart of the Victorian era, Gowing tries to explain to the world why it is important for men to maintain their beards.