Thread: Henslowe's pamphlet against shaving

My wife gave me as a Christmas present a wonderful pamphlet written in 1847 by the Rev William Henry Henslowe: Beard Shaving And The Common Use Of The Razor: An Unnatural, Irrational, Unmanly, Ungodly And Fatal Fashion Among Christians.

I highly recommend everybody interested in a good laugh to read this indispensable pamphlet, reprinted by Kessinger Publishing.

A quote from the text:

This Razor present to thy spouse, for his beard,
Once an ensign of royalty, now should be shear'd.
'This fit that thy vassal of thee should take note,
And expose a smooth chin (perchance cut his throat)!
Why lives he, what loves he, but woman's control.
In mind, and in body, and even in soul! -
So spake the arch-traitor, and ever since then,
The Razor disgraces and mutilates men.


And the final admonition:

Heedless youth, Give ear,
Earthly Fashions fear -
Never let come near
Shaving knife and gear: -
Let the young down grow
On thy lip - below -
Wherever it doth show,
Else thou shalt suffer woe.

"Why lives he, what loves he, but woman's control." Excellent.

Thanks for sharing!!

Available on-line here>

I will have to ask my the pastor of my church if it is ok for me to shave..

He has a point, but shaving is fun so I do it. It is a control thing at my house...