Reading the 20th Century discussion

Undoubtedly one of the funniest authors of the 20th century and indeed of all time! I love the Jeeves and Wooster books, but haven't read enough of his other work, although I did dip my toes in the Blandings waters withCocktail Time.

Which other books by Plum would fellow members recommend?

LOL - just a few hours ago, I was wondering whether to start a Wodehouse thread! I have read most of both the Jeeves series and the Blandings books. However, it was only a few years ago I discovered his many other books.

My favorite Jeeves book is The Code of the Woosters, I think.

I find that the Blandings books work best in order (though I am sure that is not how I first read them) so I would recommend the first one: Something Fresh (aka Something New).

The Blandings books are wonderful. I love it all though. I'm a confirmed Wodehousian

My favourite author ever. I have been reading his books since my teens. So many and for so long I don't even know which ones I've read. My current favs are the Psmith books. I wasn't tookeen on the first one but Psmith in the City and Psmith, Journalist are both excellent. I think these are now in the public domain in places and you can get them free on kindle, but not yet in the Uk.

Leslie, reading the Blandings books in order sounds like a great idea. I've remembered Cocktail Time is really Uncle Fred rather than Blandings, though there is some overlap!

Tania and Nigeyb, you have great taste! I've been meaning to try Psmith too.

Thanks. They are my comfort reads. There are lots of great stand alone books too, I enjoyed Big Money and Piccadilly Jim. I'd like to reread these ones soon.

Some of the Psmith books made me howl with laughter. A wonderful character.

Nigeyb wrote: "Some of the Psmith books made me howl with laughter. A wonderful character."

I plan to read (or reread in some cases) the Psmith books next year. I know that I have read at least one of those but many years ago. Glad to hear such a strong recommendation!

i just read Bachelors Anonymous, one of his stand alone stories. Bachelors anonymous is based on AA. Any time a member is feeling the urge to ask a girl for dinner, he contacts fellow members to talk him around.
I really like the stand alone novels as a quick pick-me-up.

Tania wrote: "I really like the stand alone novels as a quick pick-me-up. "


All his books have that effect on me Tania.

P.G. Wodehouse is the funniest writer the past century ever knew. Wodehouse defies superlatives. He is, quite simply, the best comedic writer to ever put pen to paper.

So which is your favourite book by this great writer? And do you prefer Jeeves and Wooster to Blandings, or perhaps Psmith, Uncle Fred, or the stand-alone books?

I'd say Leave It to Psmith is my personal favourite...



The first time I read "Leave It to Psmith" I was, at one memorable point, reduced to minutes of laughter that caused tears to stream down my face and make breathing extremely difficult. My family, who witnessed this, still marvel at how a book could cause such extreme mirth and merriment.

"Leave It to Psmith" is a comic novel by P.G. Wodehouse, first published in the United Kingdom on 30 November 1923 and in the United States on 14 March 1924. It was the fourth and final novel featuring Psmith, it is also the second novel set at Blandings Castle. The Blandings saga would be continued in many more novels and shorts.

As one GR reviewer has it: Psmith ("the p is silent, as in phthisis, psychic, and ptarmigan") is a triumph of characterisation, urbane, resilient, clever, utterly unflappable, altogether unlike Bertie Wooster (perhaps somewhat closer to Jeeves, though not a valet).

What about you?

Favourites? Funniest? Most enjoyable?

Has anyone read this biography of P.G. Wodehouse...?




'Wodehouse: A Life' by Robert McCrum

An affectionate portrait of the prolific twentieth-century comic writer (1881-1975) discusses his creation of such characters as Jeeves, Psmith, and the Empress of Blandings; describes his contributions to Broadway and the London stage; details his internment in Germany during WW II; and moves on to his life in Southampton, NY.

Two informative reviews here...

https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...

I couldn't choose a favourite book, I think Psmith is my favourite changes depending on what I'm reading. The biography pops up on my recommendations and I would like to try to get to it one day, but you know how it is, too many books, not enough time.

I listened to the audiobook of The Luck of the Bodkins, narrated by Jonathan Cecil, a few weeks ago. Very good with plenty of misunderstandings, silly plans & romantic entanglements. 4.5*

If anyone wants to listen to audiobooks of Wodehouse, I strongly recommend Cecil's narrations. I have listened to some other narrators which were good but Cecil's voices & vocal expressions just seem to fit Wodehouse perfectly.

I haven't read the biography, Nigeyb - I really need to read more of Wodehouse's books first!

I have, however, seen a drama based on his controversial experiences during the Second World War, Wodehouse in Exile - the late Tim Pigott-Smith starred as Wodehouse. I thought this was very good but sadly I don't think it's out on DVD.

Just checked and Wodehouse in Exile is in fact on a region 1 DVD but not region 2 as yet, but perhaps it will get repeated.

I saw that too Judy - very good I thought

Just starting Jeeves and the Yule-Tide Spirit and Other Stories. This is towards my personal challenge of reading 12 books of short stories this year, plus it will be fun!

I read a great number of Wodehouse books back in my teens. Mainly Jeeves and Wooster, but lots of others, depending on what was available at the library. I did then, think they were quite humorous, However my husband has only discovered him in the last few years and often breaks into laughter reading them, but whether it is his explaining or the years that have past, I just don't feel the same about them. Maybe one day I might go back to them, but I am one of those people who think life is too short for rereads when there are so many other books left unread.
I expect now I would have to start reading one to see if I have in fact read it

I had the good sense to read 'Aunts Aren't Gentlemen' back in May 2017. I’ve noticed some readers suggest this latter day Jeeves and Wooster novel is a little sub par. I must respectfully demur. This is chock full of the requisite Wodehousian bon mots and amusing set pieces.

Click here to read my review

I picked up Thank You, Jeeves today for 50p. Bargain. I'm slowly reading through the Jeeves and Wooster books in order(ish) and think this is the next one.

Just noticed this article about a forthcoming sequel by Ben Schott with Bertie as a spy!! I find this hard to imagine, given the amount of trouble he has just plotting to steal cow-creamers etc.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

I'm hoping to read more of the originals in 2018. :)

Very intriguing - thanks Judy.

From the Ian Fleming favourite authors thread....


Susan wrote: "I am conflicted about these modern day continuations. I think the best I have read were the Jill Paton Walsh books, which continued the Lord Peter Wimsey series. They varied in success, but all were all very readable..."

Back in 2014 I decided to read....

Jeeves and the Wedding Bells by Sebastian Faulks

...and I loved it. Here's my review....

Sebastian Faulks, in the book's introduction, describes this book as "a tribute" by "a fan" and not "an imitation".

For my money, and as a fellow P.G. Wodehouse fan, I'd say Jeeves and the Wedding Bells is every bit as good as the real thing. Sebastian Faulks is to be congratulated for pulling off the perfect homage.

I smiled, chuckled and on a couple of occasions guffawed, through this charming Jeeves and Wooster story.

P.G. Wodehouse would have approved I'm sure. Jeeves and the Wedding Bells reminds me how much I love the work of P.G. Wodehouse and inspires me to get reading and rereading his books. There is no higher praise.

As you may now, P.G. Wodehouse won the Mark Twain Medal in 1936 for "having made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the happiness of the world". Sebastian Faulks has now further added to the happiness of the world with Jeeves and the Wedding Bells.

4/5

That's great, Nigeyb. I have a large quantity of Wodehouse to read before trying a tribute, but am pleased to hear that you enjoyed this one so much.

I have read some good continuations/tributes - for fans of the great US Golden Age crime writer Rex Stout (a friend of Wodehouse), I thought Archie Meets Nero Wolfe: A Prequel to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Mysteries by Robert Goldsborough was excellent and I may well read more by this author, though again I have a lot of Stout to go first.

Glad to learn your persevering with the Rex Stout. I enjoyed the three or four books in the series I have read so far. I must pick another one up soon.

Has anyone read The Girl in Blue? What's your opinion?

Kiran wrote: "Has anyone read The Girl in Blue? What's your opinion?"

I have - quite good fun. Here's my review if you're interested
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

How is it I didn't notice the Wodehouse thread- love his books, Blandings particularly but also Jeeves and Wooster and lots of standalone ones

Lady Clementina wrote: "Kiran wrote: "Has anyone read The Girl in Blue? What's your opinion?"

I have - quite good fun. Here's my review if you're interested
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

Thanks Lady Clementina! I read your review it's really detailed, The Girl in Blue is on my TBR list for this year and I'm excited to read it now :)

Great review Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore


Thanks - I've not read The Girl in Blue but you've really inspired me

I haven't read it yet, but I do have a copy, so it' has joined the teetering pile on the coffee table of books to get to soon.

Nigeyb wrote: "Great review Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore


Thanks - I've not read The Girl in Blue but you've really inspired me"

Thanks :) I only read it earlier this year for the first time but it is a good one.

Kiran wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Kiran wrote: "Has anyone read The Girl in Blue? What's your opinion?"

I have - quite good fun. Here's my review if you're interested
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1..."

Good to know- hope you enjoy it as well.

I have had The Girl in Blue on my shelf since 2006 but still haven't gotten around to reading it. I found Wodehouse on our trip to London in 2006 and purchased several books after reading the first one.
Currently reading John Cleese's autobiography So, Anyway.... Apparently he lived near P.G. Wodehouse's brother and said he was extremely naïve. He wondered if P.G. was as naïve. Regardless, it gives some insight into the innocence of his characters.

There is a certain voice to Wodehouse that is hard to replicate. Faulks did a wonderful job with it here. Not sure others would be able to as successfully......

I have a duplicate copy of Thank You Jeeves if anyone wants it. Reply below and then DM me your address.

Tania wrote: "I have a duplicate copy of Thank You Jeeves if anyone wants it. Reply below and then DM me your address."

Highly recommended...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Nigeyb wrote: "Tania wrote: "I have a duplicate copy of Thank You Jeeves if anyone wants it. Reply below and then DM me your address."

Highly recommended...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."
Great review Nigeyb! Thanks for sharing.

I’ve now got hold of a Kindle copy of Something New/Fresh, after fizzling out on the audiobook, and am enjoying it but not finding it quite as funny as Jeeves. I have a feeling though that it will become funnier on a reread, once I know the Blandings characters better!

I didn't think that was one of his best, either. I do enjoy the Blandings books usually, so maybe he just hadn't found his feet yet with these characters.

I prefer the Blandings books to Jeeves. I can't remember how Something Fresh compares with the rest of the series, but can confirm they are some gems in the series. I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy Judy as you work through the books.

I picked up the first 2 Jeeves and Wooster Omnibuses for 99p each a while ago - Vol 2 is still 99p for anyone who wants to try them.

Judy wrote: "I’ve now got hold of a Kindle copy of Something New/Fresh, after fizzling out on the audiobook, and am enjoying it but not finding it quite as funny as Jeeves. I have a feeling though that it will ..."

My reply seems to have vanished- Like NigeyB, I too prefer the Blandings books but Something Fresh did grow on me more on the second read- the others though Full Moon, A Pelican at Blandings, Service with a Smile, and Uncle Fred in the Springtime among them are lovely- perhaps this is because the Empress has made her appearance by then :)

Thanks all, I will keep going with Blandings. I definitely enjoy Wodehouse more on the page than on an audiobook, although Jonathan Cecil read beautifully - his voice is a little like Stephen Fry.

Would anyone recommend the TV Blandings?

Judy wrote: "Thanks all, I will keep going with Blandings. I definitely enjoy Wodehouse more on the page than on an audiobook, although Jonathan Cecil read beautifully - his voice is a little like Stephen Fry.
..."

Do you mean the one with (sorry can't remember his name at the moment) Peter Pettigrew as Emsworth? I haven't seen those but he is (appearance only) totally the opposite of Emsworth in the books.

Judy wrote: "Would anyone recommend the TV Blandings? "


Emphatically not. Risible. Despite a decent cast, including Timothy Spall as Lord Emsworth, it just doesn't work.

I wasn't that keen on Blandings, I have recently started to re-watch Jeeves and Wooster, and while I prefer the Blandings books, the Jeeves and Wooster TV show is much better than Blandings.

I would agree that the Jeeves and Wooster TV show is much better than Blandings. I would describe the Blandings show as very forgettable. Of course Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie is always a good combination and they play well off of each other in Jeeves and Wooster. Whenever I read them now, I always hear Stephen Fry in my head as Jeeves.

I love Fry and Laurie as Jeeves and Wooster - the opening of the first episode where Bertie has a hangover is fantastic, just the facial expressions of Laurie have me falling about.

Sounds from your comments as if I shouldn't be rushing to see the TV Blandings!

That scene is definitely hilarious! Hooked me right away.

And no, I wouldn't really recommend Blandings. After Jeeves and Wooster I had high hopes. Was quite disappointed.