Pelham Grenville Wodehouse (1881 ? 1975), a native of Guildford, England, was probably the greatest writer of comedy in the 20th century. With each passing year, his work continues to grow in popularity. Jeeves, the omniscient, highly competent valet, and Bertie Wooster, the upper-class, feather-brained gadabout, are his two most famous creations. His stories are generally characterized by intricate plots dealing with human foibles and complex, romantic entanglements. This series of short stories are perfect examples of his style.
The four stories in this collection were the very first pieces Wodehouse published about his famous duo. They already demonstrate his mastery of style, language, and complex imagery which was so marvelously sustained in his material for the ensuing 60 years. These short stories are jewels of comedic brevity and masterpieces of stylistic unity.
The stories in this collection are:
"Jeeves Takes Charge"
Florence and Bertie are engaged to be married. But she refuses to marry Bertie unless he agrees to steal her uncle's scandalous memoirs before they can be sent to the publisher. This is the very first story which introduces Bertie and Jeeves. "The Metropolitan Touch"
Bertie's pal, Bingo Little, tries to stage a village Christmas play to win the affection of a country squire's daughter. Unfortunately, the words and music are adapted from a risque London music hall foot stomper. The result is an incredible farce. "Fixing It For Freddy"
Bertie takes his pal Freddy to the beach to get his mind off a girl who has jilted him. Suddenly, the girl shows up at the same beach. Bertie's reconciliation scheme backfires and Jeeves offers a solution. "The Ordeal Of Young Tuppie"
Tuppie Glossup enters a local rugby match to impress a country girl he has fallen in love with. But this is no ordinary game. Bertie and Jeeves attempt to rescue Tuppie from impending doom.
