The Transformation of Philip Jettan
Book Overview
- First published
- 13 Feb 2020
- Reading order
- Not yet set
- Available as
- Format
- eBook
- Length
- 197 pages
- Published
- 7 Oct 2025
- Publisher
- Asimis Books
- ISBN
- 978-6178705237
Trope TagsPossible spoilers
Warning TagsPossible spoilers
Main Love InterestsPossible spoilers
About This Book
Before she became the queen of Regency romance, Georgette Heyer wrote this sparkling early novel—a witty and charming tale of pride, transformation, and the complexities of love.
Philip Jettan is a straightforward, rugged country gentleman—confident, loyal, and a little rough around the edges. But his beloved Cleone Charteris finds him lacking in polish and sophistication. Determined to win her heart, Philip sets out for Paris, where he immerses himself in the world of fashion, flirtation, and duels, returning a changed man: elegant, refined, and utterly transformed.
Yet the new Philip is not quite what Cleone expected—and perhaps not what she truly wants. As misunderstandings unfold and feelings deepen, both must confront the question: is it the outer image that matters, or the authentic self within?
Originally published in 1923 and later reissued as Powder and Patch, this novel blends Heyer’s signature wit, keen eye for social detail, and a deliciously ironic tone. It’s a light-hearted comedy of manners with deeper reflections on identity, pride, and the often ridiculous expectations of love.
A delightful read for fans of Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, or anyone who enjoys a smart romantic romp through powdered wigs, dueling pistols, and clever repartee.
Book Overview
- First published
- 13 Feb 2020
- Reading order
- Not yet set
- Available as
- Format
- eBook
- Length
- 132 pages
- Published
- 13 Feb 2020
- Publisher
- Spire Books
- ISBN
- 978-1515443032
Trope TagsPossible spoilers
Warning TagsPossible spoilers
Main Love InterestsPossible spoilers
About This Book
Philip Jettan is ruggedly handsome, but an awkward, tongue-tied youth. The woman he loves, Cleone, just back from London, rejects him because he is not as fashionable as the men she favored in London. Determined to become the kind of man Cleone desires, Philip travels to Paris and transforms himself into an elegant gentleman. After becoming a sensation among the genteel class of France, Philip returns to England to win Cleone’s love. However to both of their surprise, Cleone realizes that she wants the old Philip and not the painted puppy he has become. Also known as 'Powder and Patch'.
Book Overview
- First published
- 13 Feb 2020
- Reading order
- Not yet set
- Available as
- Format
- eBook
- Published
- 12 Jun 2023
- Publisher
- Vintage Bookworks
Trope TagsPossible spoilers
Warning TagsPossible spoilers
Main Love InterestsPossible spoilers
About This Book
This edition has been annotated with the following unique content.
– Historical Context
– Detailed 20th Century Analysis
A Classic Regency Romance by Georgette Heyer.
The Transformation of Phillip Jettan by English author Georgette Heyer is a book of English literary fiction first published in 1923in the United Kingdom. The original edition was published with the subtitle A Comedy of Manners, and the author used the pseudonym, Stella Martin. This historical romance was later published as Powder and Patch, with Chapter Twenty deleted.
Sneak Peek
“You! You're only a man! You've not our gifts! I can tell you!" My lady spread out her fan. "Why, a woman can think of a hundred different things at once, all of them contradictory!" She nodded at him complacently.
― Georgette Heyer, The Transformation of Phillip Jettan
Synopsis
Fashion and society are not important to Philip Jettan. The son of the Sussex squire focuses on farming and his endearing neighbor, Cleone Charteris. But Cleone has just returned from London, where she caught the eye of a handsome new suitor who has been trained in the art of courtship. When Cleone sees her old friend with fresh eyes, she dismisses him as "a raw country bumpkin," which causes the young farmer to withdraw and seek refinement in Paris. He sweeps through Paris, and word eventually reaches Cleonie. She feels guilty about her role in encouraging Philip to make changes and leave, but she must now put up with this conceited rogue who writes poetry to a pearl in a woman's ear and flirts with every woman he meets. As a result, their encounter in London is a comedy of errors in which both parties try to persuade the other that they have moved on. An exciting literary classic that you shouldn't miss.
A Beautiful Reprint
At Vintage Bookworks, we go above and beyond to guarantee that the original integrity of this book has been preserved to the highest possible standard. This guarantees that the texts contained are unmodified and unaltered from the publication by the original author and keeps the story in its original form for your entertainment. If you value Classic English Literature filled with mystery and intrigue, this book would be a lovely addition to your library or a wonderful present for someone in your life. We are prepared to ship this book to you right away for your reading enjoyment.
Title Details
– Original 1923 text
– Classic Literary fiction
Book Overview
- First published
- 13 Feb 2020
- Reading order
- Not yet set
- Available as
- Format
- eBook
- Length
- 213 pages
- Published
- 20 Feb 2022
- Publisher
- Romance Redux
Trope TagsPossible spoilers
Warning TagsPossible spoilers
Main Love InterestsPossible spoilers
About This Book
This annotated edition of the novelcontains:
– The original uncut, unedited text of The Transformation of Philip Jettan
– A historical contextual introduction to the English Georgian era in which the novel is set.
The Transformation of Philip Jettan (later Powder and Patch) is an entertaining Regency romance novel that highlights the importance of maintaining oneself through fashion and appearance. In this book, Georgette Heyer captures her audience's attention by showing how one man goes from being rejected by his true love because he wasn't fashionable enough to improve himself so much in Paris, where people take notice right away. When he returns home, however, Cleone realizes she wants the old Philip’s wit rather than this painted puppy that has arrived back home.
Book Overview
- First published
- 13 Feb 2020
- Reading order
- Not yet set
- Available as
- Format
- Audiobook
- Length
- 5 hours 51 minutes
- Published
- 20 Mar 2022
- Publisher
- Spoken Realms
- Narration
- Solo narration
- Narrators
- Anne Hancock
Trope TagsPossible spoilers
Warning TagsPossible spoilers
Main Love InterestsPossible spoilers
About This Book
Hoping to win the hand of lovely Cleone Charteris, Philip Jettan discovers that wealth and country manners are not enough. Cleone has been exposed to the gallantries of London society and finds Philip too blunt and boorish. His sophisticated father agrees and the frustrated young man departs for Paris and an education.
To become "a la mode" in 18th-century Paris requires a complete transformation: men of elegance dress in elaborate satins and lace, wear powdered wigs and paint their faces. Philip is a quick study and when he next meets Cleone, greeting her with deep bows and mincing French phrases, the young lady realizes that this was more than she bargained for.
Misunderstandings ensue.
Georgette Heyer published "The Transformation of Philip Jettan" when she was 21 years old. It was an auspicious beginning for the author Stephen Fry describes as "one of the wittiest, most insightful and rewarding prose writers imaginable." (The Guardian; October 2021.)
Swoonstack Readers
0 Readers
0 Readers
0 Readers
0 Readers
0 Readers
0 Readers
Modern Library Torchbearers
Ratings & Reviews
Showing reader reviews by story rating.







