Michael James Hall, MD devoted six years writing The American Gentleman; A Contemporary Guide to Chivalry. As a young man, Dr. Hall questioned what made a gentleman different than other men. He set out to write a book that could provide answers; more specifically, the qualities necessary for developing a- state of character. During this quest, Dr. Hall has traveled the world in search of the gentlemen's spirit. Dr. Hall believes that developing an genuine appreciation for others along with a moral compass is paramount and that a gentleman must stand up for what he believes is right. While in his final year of ophthalmology training at a major New York medical center, Dr. Hall witnessed several acts of racial discrimination and medical negligence committed by senior hospital staff. These actions transformed his career. He has practiced in New Orleans and later served three years as medical director of the Lower Eastside Service Center, Inc. a heroin treatment and methadone clinic located in New York City. In pursuance of his cause, Dr. Hall recently received a Master's degree in health care management, law and policy from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service-New York University. Living in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Hall is 35, single and currently completing a community and family medicine residency, with an emphasis on longevity medicine. He is working on his second book regarding his experiences in New York and is available for speaking engagements. FOREWORD You will not find a thousand-and-one "rules of etiquette" or a guide to hedonism in this book. Instead, you will find a gentleman's manifesto based on the life experiences and considerations of a young professional American man seeking social civility and greater personal character. At the close of the twentieth century, some American men and women have devalued traditional values, like integrity and graciousness and other elements of civilized culture. Reflecting this mentality, our economy, popular media and entertainment have reinforced ideas and personal behaviors that are less honorable and less civil. Sadly, portrayed as a boor, the young American man is seen by some as self-centered and cowardly, behaving poorly and treating women disrespectfully. Yet, you may ask, why be a gentleman? Simply, being a gentleman allows for character evolution. It confers to others that he is a man who actively pursues the moral high road and realizes his character, perpetually evolving, is linked to his deeds. Understand being a gentleman requires effort and self-sacrifice and a gentleman tries to give of himself without expectation. Equally as important, a gentleman is a man who respectfully places a woman's concerns before his own. The American Gentleman strives to make life more fulfilling and is written to inspire young men to adopt a personal philosophy for growth and maturity. Through observation, integrity, spiritual philanthropy, altruism and realizing reality is perception -- a state of character can be formed for self-improvement. Also, taking ideas from the past, the book offers some thoughts on courtship and rules of etiquette that have been updated for our modern life. To provide clarity relating to courtship and romance, the book offers chivalric principles as one way to develop mature and loving relationships. Not dogmatic, The American Gentleman is written with certain questions in mind: How may "chivalry" be applied today? When does it become chauvinism? Are there present customs or behaviors that may be improved? How can men and women behave more harmoniously? In other words, is there civilized behavior that can be identified, explained and formulated into a recognized standard and then applied to twenty first century life. The book is primarily intended to address the concerns of the modern American male through his character while maintaining sensitivity to the concerns of women who also seek an updated code of male behavior. In addition, the book briefly touches on our present social condition. As storm clouds gather on the horizon of American society, many men and women are seeking a greater meaning of life. Most troubling is the polarizing of American culture. Divisive trends in political ideology, wealth, sex relations and family dynamics are impacting the way Americans live. It is time for change. The American Gentleman offers a way for men to achieve their personal goals while assisting others along the way. Enjoy. Michael Hall, Manhattan, January 2001 Michael James Hall, MD is thirty-two years old and currently acts as medical director of a substance abuse treatment facility treating heroin addiction. As a native of Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Hall has had the opportunity to live and to practice in New York City. Over the years he has written and published several medically related articles for various forums. He presently is completing a degree in health policy at New York University and desires to ensur