This isn't a novel or a memoir. It's exactly what the title says: a list of 101 'don'ts' for a young man heading off to college in the early 20th century. Published in 1913, it reads like a stern but fussy uncle's advice on how to navigate everything from fashion and friendship to romance and reputation.

The Story

There's no plot, just rules. The book covers every imaginable pitfall. It warns against sartorial sins ('Don't wear tan shoes with a blue suit'), social blunders ('Don't borrow another man's razor'), and romantic missteps ('Don't propose to a girl on short acquaintance'). It's obsessed with appearing respectable, avoiding debt, and not making a fool of oneself. The 'story' is the portrait it paints of a very specific set of pressures and expectations for young men at that time.

Why You Should Read It

It's a social history goldmine disguised as an advice book. The fun is in the contrast. Some rules are charmingly archaic and will make you laugh out loud. Others, about managing money or being genuine with friends, hit with a startling relevance. You get a real sense of the anxieties of the era—the fear of looking cheap, acting vulgar, or failing to be a 'gentleman.' It’s less about learning what to do and more about understanding what people were afraid of doing wrong.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves social history, vintage etiquette, or just a really good, quirky browse. It's a short, digestible read that's fantastic for dipping into. You'll share the best lines with friends and marvel at how the goal of 'fitting in' has always been complicated, even if the rules keep changing. Don't expect life lessons—expect a captivating, often funny, trip to a very different world.