P. G. Wodehouse is one of the great writers of the Twentieth-Century. He was prolific, talented, and witty. I’ve read dozens of Wodehouse books, listened to many of them on audio books, and watched TV adaptations of Wodehouse (mostly by the BBC). Now, P. G. Wodehouse: A Life in Letters shows up to reveal even more about this comic genius. In a letter to Lawrence Durrell, Wodehouse writes about where the idea Jeeves (the iconic valet) came from. Plenty of other insights are revealed in these 600+ pages. Wodehouse wrote every day, sometimes up to 4000 words. His writing methods and thought process is on display in these letters. If you’d like to read Christopher Buckley’s review of P. G. Wodehouse: A Life in Letters just click here. This book is a must-buy for Wodehouse fans.
Wodehouse has become aslightly controversial figure but his books are endlessly entertaining – I really look forward to getting my hands on the letters, thanks George, sounds really great.
Sergio, one of my long-term projects is to read all of Wodehouse’s books. Everyman’s Library has reprinted 84 Wodehouse novels so far.
A biographer who could turn in a ms of 300 pages would sell a lot of books. I just don’t have the endurance for 600 pages anymore.
I love to browse books like P. G. WODEHOUSE: A LIFE IN LETTERS, Patti. Taken in small bits, 600+ pages just melts away.
This sounds right up my alley as I love Wodehouse and like collections of letters (and/or diaries).
Jeff, you’ll love P. G. WODEHOUSE: A LIFE IN LETTERS. There’s plenty of tidbits about Wodehouse’s successful writing process.
This one sounds great! It may be a purchase instead of a library book, there is no way I could get through 600 pages in the3 weeks the library allows, and if it’s new, it may be only 2 weeks with holds to keep me from renewing. [goes to look for the best price…]
Rick, P. G. WODEHOUSE: A LIFE IN LETTERS is a keeper.
I’m so glad to hear this lives up to expectations. I think this will be my leisurely summer reading.
K. A., you’ll be surprised, as I was, with Wodehouse’s details on his writing process. This is a great book to browse through.
George, Everyman’s has published 84 Wodehouse novels so far? They only list one volume on their website! Could you clarify?
Everyman’s Library in England, Rick. Overlook Press in the U.S. has reprinted 81 of Wodehouse’s books so far.
Ah! OVERLOOK Press. Thanks, George, and thanks for the link.
George, how are you and your family doing weather-wise? If I remember correctly, your daughter lives in Boston. Hope you are all well.
Thanks for the concern, Drongo! My daughter in Boston was able to go home at noon yesterday before the storm hit. She’s hunkered down with lots of DVDs to watch. We were hit with a foot of snow. I’m hoping to take some photos and post them to my blog tomorrow to show you all in warmer climes what a bunch of snow looks like.
P.G. Wodehouse books occupy pride of place in our home. My own favourite is the Blandings series. You can’t tell many of his stories apart, in terms of treatment, and while his humour can be repetitive, it never fails to delight a PG fan. In remember in the 70s ad 80s people went, “Do you read PGs?” like there was nothing else to read. I haven’t listened to the audio books or watched the BBC series I have heard so much about. Many thanks for writing about this book.
You’re welcome, Prashant! I’m been a long-time fan of Wodehouse’s works. I’ve focused on the Bertie and Jeeves books, but I’m branching out to the Blandings series.
Wodehouse is a dear favorite. I was drawn to his work because of the BBC Jeeves and Wooster shows and I have enjoyed so many of his novels and short stories. He is a delight in every sense of the word. I’ll have to consider getting this as I know I would enjoy it.
I’m loving the Overlook Press versions of his books and have snagged several over the years.
Carl, I’m guessing that Rick Robinson will also start collecting those Overlook Press editions, too.