When you've read enough Wodehouse, you find that the inner monologue we all carry on clothes itself in Wodehouse phraseology. Result? Your inner world becomes a happier place, predicaments transform themselves into manageable, situations....He was a precious gift not only to literature, but to the world.
This is so true. Deserves a reply! My father introduced me to Wodehouse when I was in grade 10 or so. We are Sri Lankans so English being the second/third language it took me a while to get the hang of the humour. But once I got it, it opened up this amazing sunny world. My father read this books nearly 30 years ago, when he was a youth. But all this while, in hindsight, I feel that some part of wodehousian attitude to life lived within him. somewhat whimsical. a sort of light-heartedness. Thanks for the above comment, you put into words perfectly what I had in mind. :)
Very interesting observation, and so true! The Wooster and Blandings books kept me sane during a challenging childhood. Now 40 years later I’m reading them all again.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have surgery. When the surgeon came into my room to check on me before the operation, she found me giggling away over one of the Bertie and Jeeves books, which I had brought with me to help keep me calm. I don't think she had ever had a pre-op patient greet her that way, but I have found that PGW never fails to calm and cheer me when I need it most.
Such a lovely memory. I hope you are doing well. That’s partly a selfish sentiment as we need more people like you, the meaningful reader who knows beauty, humor, and fun while elevating the mind.
I think the author would approve--so many found Jeeves and Wooster wonderful companions to distract them from the inevitable suffering and trials that come in this world, it’s a welcome escape to visit Mr Wodehouse’s literary world!
"If your Wodehouse journey starts now, you're the luckiest person in the world", absolutely true! I was introduced to Wodehouse 20+ years ago while bored and flipping through channels to find something interesting. I was fortunate to go to my local PBS channel, and an episode of "Wooster and Jeeves" was just starting. I was hooked immediately by the charming music and Art Deco style animation, but had no idea that I was about to be immersed in a wonderful world that would bring me such joy, for the rest of my life. I'm so grateful that P.G. Wodehouse was such a prolific writer. I can't imagine two actors more perfect for the roles than Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry. I was a fan of "Black Adder", so I already liked them, but "W & J" is where I fell in love with their talent.
I read my first Wodehouse book more than 60 years ago, and I continued ever since. I have read all that I can get my hands on, and as time passes, I enjoy them again! I'm a huge fan.
I just discovered these books. I’m obsessed. I love Bertie and Jeeves. The stories are short and sweet and the more I listen to, the more I laugh. I haven’t tried anything else yet by P.G. Wodehouse, tho... I’m on my 4th Jeeves book. 😀
Three minutes represents obsession? Well at least Wodehouse was a brilliant and influential writer. Near genius is something worth being fascinated by. In these days when kicking or throwing or hitting a ball is consdered worthy of obsession and millions of dollars. And being admired by Waugh, among many other fine writers (includin Fry?) is quite an accomplishment
“If your Wodehouse journey begins now, you are the luckiest person in the world.” I consider myself ‘fairly’ well-read and yet, in my 50 years on the planet, I never came across Wodehouse. Looked for a short story on Free with Prime Audible and Wodehouse came up top of the list with 5 stars. That was 4 weeks ago. I’m completely hooked. I simply cannot understand why I did not know this author. And then I thought, how marvelous to discover something completely new and in a random way. New author, new genre (he is his own genre), new story ideas. He’s like a British Mark Twain but with a rich man-child Tom Sawyer. Both humorists liked to include aunts. I’ve listened to nearly every Jeeves and Wooster books and Jonathan Cecil narrates and it’s the most amazing thing ever. But that ended too quickly and I *needed* more Jeeves and Wooster. So I googled to see if a British broadcast company had ever attempted to make a movie. Found super old movies that I did not enjoy and also Mr. Frye’s show with Hugh Laurie. Fell in love again! I knew I could count on the Brits. I’m working my way through the seasons now. It’s super fun to see the stories and how the adaptations of them play out. For the most part, the stories are intact even if parts were cut out or slightly changed. I love the show and the actors are so well cast. Eulalie!
About 20 years ago, a friend of mine ("Sally") was telling me about a show she really liked, _House,_ which we watched later that evening. I said, "Wow, how different Hugh Laurie sounds with an American accent, and so serious!" Sally asked what I meant, and I told her that he's a famous British actor who's comedy work is brilliant. Sally was stunned. A few weeks later, our local PBS station began airing _Jeeves & Wooster,_ so I called Sally to let her know about it. Sally, her husband, "Bill," and I watched together; Sally was mildly amused, said she preferred _House,_ but Bill and I were laughing throughout. I told Bill to be on the lookout for _Black Adder,_ and other fantastic shows (with & without Mr. Laurie).
What a lovely tribute, from someone who should know, and gauging from his own virtuosity, certainly does. When I read Wodehouse, Jeeves always speaks in Stephen Fry's voice. I can even see his facial expressions during the dialogue.
haha it's hard to read Wodehouse after seeing the series without the symptoms you speak of. Thankfully I'd read all the J & W books by 1984 (around 20 times each) so I'd formulated my own Jeeves and Wooster by then. The series is an absolute treasure. Very, very few liberties taken with the original plots. In the credits it reads 'Based on the stories by PG Wodehouse' but that's quite false. Each episode follows Wodehouse's scripts almost to the letter. A wonderful tribute to the greatest comedy duo of the 20th century.
I think the casting was perfect. I imagine a casting director would be tempted to cast an older actor as Jeeves to emphasize his wisdom compared to young Bertie, but as we all know Jeeves's great brain was developed by eating fish and reading Spinoza, not by world experiences. I've read everything Wodehouse wrote about Jeeves and Wooster, and I always had the impression that while Jeeves is older than Bertie, the age difference is not very great.
That very first episode when Jeeves (Fry) meets Wooster (Laurie) is as near perfect an adaptation of PG Wodehouse's writing as there can possibly be. Wodehouse is the supreme humorist, a maestro conductor of the language.
It's very depressing how a lot of youngsters don't know about Plum, because he really is the perfect novelist. His stories are layered and hilarious, sometimes with a very serious undercurrent running beneath. His command over English in unparalleled. I'm lucky to have every single book he wrote at home. Who else would use a figure of speech like "smooth as a bus driver's seat"? XD
oh Mr. Fry! I know you'll undoubtedly never read this, but I'm *so* happy to find out that you didn't treat Jeeves simply as yet another role, but are actually a fan. both you and Mr. Wodehouse are high on my heroes list, and it's marvelous to see that you and I agree on this subject.
The first time I read Plum's work, it was a short story in the Friday afternoon silent reading class in 8th grade. I was 13, and I literally fell out of my chair. I got put in the corner for disrupting the class. I went to the library, and started reading every book of his that they had, and I eagerly awaited his new ones, for he was still alive in NY back then. It's been over 55 years of reading and rereading. What a gift. I also discovered James Thurber, through "The Night the Bed Fell" in that class. It was just before JFK was killed. These stories got me through some very dark times.
Watching this video spurred me on to purchase my first Wodehouse book. The book I bought was "The World of Jeeves". BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. Even went so far as to name a song I wrote "What Ho!!"... such was the impact it had on me!!
I've been reading Wodehouse since I was 9. I'm convinced that he changed something fundamental in me - I'm a far far more complete person! Bless your memory, plum. Norman B
Me too. Started reading them about the same age as yourself. Couldn't leave them alone until my twenties. And then Stephen and Hugh did their series . . that was one of the happiest times of my life.
@@SixStringSteve I agree! Stumbling across "Wooster and Jeeves" one evening on my local PBS station changed my life! I've been a Wodehouse, and a Fry and Laurie fan ever since. I drove my coworkers nuts quoting and imitating Jeeves proper British accent. Since I lived in E. Texas then, people just thought I was the weird girl. They were correct!
After years of hearing the name Jeeves, it was Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie who turned me on to actually reading Wodehouse, thanks to their brilliant portrayals of Jeeves and Bertie Wooster. The adaptation was superb; but, the original form is delightful.
One of the high points of my adult life was seeing them on the telly here in Texas all those years ago..Fry and Laurie were PERFECT. PBS/BBC saved our entire family on the weekends.. Good grief, the line up: "Masterpiece Theatre" who can ever forget "Upstairs/Downstairs? "Lydia", "Malice Aforethought" , "Danger Unexploded Bomb", "Open All Hours", Reggie Perrin, "Fawlty Towers" "Are You Being Served", "Keeping Up Appearances", "Only Fools and Horses" , "Butterflies" and so many more I can't remember them.. later on , "The Young Ones" had us screaming the roof off.
I've literally had aching jaw muscles (no figure of speech there) from reading Plum, along with tears of helpless mirth and foot stomping. Unforgettable author. His literary craftsmanship has few parallels in our time.
I discovered Wodehouse when living in Singapore in the 1970s. A local friend turned me on to his short stories and novels and I read every single one that I could get my hands on at that time. When I retire from very busily teaching online, I will binge read every one of them again.
The first Wodehouse book I ever read was Right Ho, Jeeves. That was about 30 years ago. To this day it is the funniest book I've ever read. I've got 5 or 6 of those nice hardback editions that Stephen Fry is showing off. I wish I had the full set.
I have no idea why it took me so long to discover Wodehouse. Since reading the Blanding Castle books I am constantly snooping around bookshops to pick up more novels that I can read and re read. I love his expression and only wish I had been encouraged to read his books earlier in life. Thanks for the video, you express my sentiments so exactly.
My father recommended him to me many years ago. He himself was not a reader, and I have no idea why he made the recommendation. My father has passed so I cannot ask him. I am exploring and thoroughly enjoying him because his writing is truly precious.
So safe in his hands....a world of gently confused earls, earnestly bumbling, vacuous young men, terrifying aunts, pretty girls laughingly tying the young men into knots, having to tear their butlers and valets away from their Spinoza long enough to fish them out of the soup.... a world without tragedy, evil or death.
I was lucky enough to discover Wodehouse about ten years ago, and to this day I read and listen to his work on my iPod. I've gotten a few pals to read him, and they are fans too, but for some reason people are resistant. Maybe Cumberbatch has to play Jeeves before this new generation gets into him. Wodehouse never fails to crack me up.
I started reading Wodehouse a little over a year ago, and that’s essentially all I read now for entertainment. As I’m starting a new Wodehouse book, I order another to ensure I always have one in the queue. His writing pulls me into another world, and simply put, makes me happy. Stumbling across my first Wodehouse book was a gift and a blessing.
I've loved Wodehouse ever since I discovered "Jeeves and Wooster." I watched every episode at least five times. After that, I added Wodehouse to my library and have been a fan ever since.
Oh gosh....he was and is a master...geez...the language he uses.. it sings...I love all his books..#Jeeves#Mr.Mulliner#TheDrones...a lifetime of laughter and smiles.
To me as an American, Wodehouse is the quintessential British author. His stories paint a world that was kinda idealized or never really existed, but the reader so much wishes that it did. I love his use of language and his working the slang of the time into his stories. His books always puts a smile on my face.
Because of my love of SF, this three-minute vid put me on the path to PGW. Like a kind of emotional or intellectual heroin, PGW's stories and novels have infected me. Thank you Stephen and damn you!
Cristine, lucky you. There's a wonderful scene in the film How Green Was My Valley when the minister gives a sad bed-ridden boy a copy of "Treasure Island" and says to him "How I wish I were you reading this for the first time!" A friend gave me a copy of "The Inimitable Jeeves" when I was similarly depressed and laid up and it was just what I needed. May you have many more pleasurable moments in your future Wodehouse readings!
P. G. Wodehouse made a great comment on his own writing in the introduction to one of his novels. Paraphrasing it went a bit like: "Some unkind critic said of my last novel that I had used all the same characters and just given them different names. Well this time I have out-generalled the man. I have used all the same characters and given them the same names."
In the Jeeves canon, the short stories were written before the novels. One great place to start is "The World of Jeeves", a collection of all the short stories in (roughly) chronological order. Here you'll find the original versions of many of the plots from the superb "Jeeves and Wooster" tv series, plus that wonderful Wodehouse language.
I only just discovered him. I started off listening to the short stories here on UA-cam, Thankfully the full unabridged versions are here too, what. His books are an absolute joy, cheer me up no end. Trickynicky Marts, Jonelle Dailey and Harris McCall channels are all excellent readers.
The sum of all Wodehouse's art, skill and craft is the ability to elicit howls of hysterical laughter, at least once every 5 or 10 pages. The rest of the time he's merely wickedly amusing.
I really love P. G. Wodehouse. It is a great shame that the modern generations don't seem to be able to understand his writing. I think a lot of the social mores and context are alien to the young. I waited for years for a TV adaptation of Castle Blandings (apart from the one offs like "Heavy Weather"). When it came it was appalling. It was obvious the producers and directors did not understand the material at all. If only they had watched the masterful "Jeeves and Wooster" made in 1990s with Fry & Laurie, it would have given them some insight in how to do it correctly. I still think the Fry & Laurie version is the definitive TV adaptation full of love and respect for the original material.
I have always loved reading but the interesting thing about Wodehouse for me is that he is one of very few authors who I actually prefer to listen to in audio form rather than read ,his books are perfect for listening to in the car or on a plane bus train whatever ,they are just so easy to listen to..
My Wodehouse journey began 20+ years ago, when I had a job involving a lot of driving, and began checking out books on cassette from the local library. To this day, I always advise Americans to *listen* to a Wodehouse book (preferably performed by Jonathan Cecil), so that they can understand the "rhythm" of what they are reading. Having seen the Fry and Laurie version of Jeeves and Wooster, that's who I see in my head when I read (or listen to) those books.
I just discovered Wodehouse during the lockdown . I was surprised about how funny his writing is and I adore the underlying premise of genuine humanity .
I'm in the process of reading the Jeeves series now. (I saw the television show a while back) I started with "Extricating Young Gussie" then read "My Man Jeeves" "Very Good Jeeves" "Thank You Jeeves" and am now just about to finish up "Carry On Jeeves" So not in the right order...but that's unimportant. Wodehouse...vibrates in me and speaks to me in a way that very few authors can, and it's a beautiful thing. I'm DEVOURING these books.
He's fantastic, nothing phases old Psmith with a silent P! Currently reading Ukridge who is definitely now in my top three characters. Psmith, Ukridge and Uncle Fred - what a trio! Wodehouse should be compulsory reading at all schools. The language is awe inspiring. I find myself pausing at the end of practically every paragraph to fully soak in the wondrous prose.
I didn't 'get' Psmith, tried so hard to enjoy it but failed. I bought a few books outside of the J & W and Blandings series but they seemed to me to be written by a very different writer.
I remember my dad and I laughing till tears ran down our eyes reciting the passage in Thank you, Jeeves describing Baxter's 'majestic volplaning' fall down the stairs....
I discovered Wodehouse while working on my yard and looking for an audible book. I am currently on my 8th Wodehouse novel and am in love. No one has garnished my attention about something as simple as a silver cow cream dispenser or pinching a policeman's hat. I love the relationship between Bertie and Jeeves! With characters such as Catsmeade Purdipurbrite and Gussie Finknottle in the mix. Now, I'm guessing at the spelling of those two for I'm with the audible. Don't be too harsh! What a treat....what ho!
A friend with a British passport (he was born in Rhodesia) introduced me to Wodehouse years ago when we both lived in Asia. I now have most of his works in ePub format and Wodehouse is my go-to when I want something light but not vapid. He constantly makes me break out into grins as well as the occasional belly laugh.
Thanks for this Stephen, I really appreciate and love P.G Wodehouse novels, having had collected many of them and in the process of collecting them still. The laughter they evoke keep us alive.
I have an early edition 1930s copy of Carry On Jeeves and it is my most prized book. A shame the previous owner has spilled something on the front, but I guess though it takes away the monetary value it does add a little bit of history.
This is an indication that the books were well read because they were well loved. I have a book like that. My cat knocked it into my bath. The pages have come away from the spine. I still read it!
Watching the Jeeves and Wooster series and then reading the books gives both a face and voice to the characters in the books, and I really like them. There is no way I can read any of the novels and NOT associate Fry's voice with Jeeves. The books and the series are perfect.
These are such lovely books - binding, dust jacket, paper, print - I'm proud to own eight of them. And lucky me, my birthday's coming up, I know what will be at the top of my birthday list.
Thanks for spreading the Joy of PG Wodehouse. Have you ever read Wodehouse chronologically? it is interesting to see the growth from the schoolboy works through the mature J&W and Blandings and such. I too tend to hear Jeeves in your voice. You were great in that series, also enjoyed QI.
The best way, if you ask me, and I am about to finish my second complete chronological reading of the 99 books in the Everyman Collection and a few other collections of stuff he wrote (poetry, journalism, plays, songs)
As part of my sixtieth birthday celebration I have started “The 1962 Project“ reading books published, given a prize or translated into English in 1962. Fortunately there is a Wodehouse novel from that year. I think it is from the Blandings series. It will be my first Wodehouse novel.
Wodehouse is the nonpareil. I knew nothing of him when I received a hardback collection from a friend as a gift. I shall never forget the glee with which, upon finishing, I learned that there many more where that came from.
I'm about to order "My man Jeeves" to start at the beginning. My mum had many of the books, but in Swedish, so I'm ordering the English one to not lose any word magic. Thank God we start learning English early in Swedish schools 😁
I've grew to love the books from repeatedly watching Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie in their truly marvelous TV series 'Jeeves and Wooster' It is good to be reminded that the UK has such wonderful actors, and production staff, interpretating such a Brilliant Author. It makes a marked contrast with the grey political mayhem and economic stagnation of recent times in the UK.
It isn’t just the Jeeves and Wooster books that are incredible. I also love Psmith, Blandings Castle, and Mr Mulliner. Plum wrote enough to keep me in stitches for life. I’m glad I discovered him early on.
No actor captures the bucolic world of Wodehouse better than Richard Briars. He and Michael Hordern as Bertie and Jeeves in the BBC radio adaptations are simply sublime.
My introduction to Wodehouse was Psmith in the City & after the first paragraph I was hooked for life - Bickersdyke meets Mike by walking behind the bowlers arm causing Mike who was on 98, to be bowled by long hop.
Indeed! I've recently again picked up "The Golf Omnibus" to delight in Wodehouse's mastery with words, turns of phrase and storytelling. I'll need to go fins my Jeeves and Wooster stories soon too.
I started with Carry On Jeeves and I found it very amusing. That was the second book series I had ever read in English.;The first being The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings. I saw your last upload; Stepen Fry on PGW; Very informative. Thank you ;-)
Both Carry On Jeeves and Right Oh Jeeves were gifted to me by my Grandmother as a ten-year old. They were in one of those 'book club' series you could join, advertised on the back of glossy weekend mags. I loved them and it started a life-long love of Plum.
The finest line has to be , "laughed down from lazy eyelids and flicked a speck of dust from the irreproachable Mechlin lace at his cuff". Ex Prime Minister Boris Johnson even quoted the line in a speech.
I love Wodehouse, especially Jeeves and Bertie. I think I have the entire collection. But I am terribly envious of the hardback pile there. I collected mine over many years and travelling to many cities. I even got some in Hon Kong. He was a genius.
I would have recommended Joy in the Morning or Heavy Weather for starters but thank you, Mr Frye, for presenting the master and giving him his due. One more thing, Wodehouse's biography, Wodehouse on Wodehouse, is hilarious, compelling and rich in anecdote.
mmm . . I read all the Blandings books but none of them, excepting perhaps Uncle Fred in the Springtime, can hold a torch to even the weakest of the J & W stories - such as the last one, Aunt's aren't Gentlemen. Despite this I read all the Blandings stories at least twice each in my teenage years, compared to reading each of the J & W books around 20 times each. Different strokes for different folks it seems.
Start with Carry On, Jeeves, and then continue with The Inimitable Jeeves, and then read every other Jeeves book in chronological order after Carry On, Jeeves. They are the best reading one could hope for.
When you've read enough Wodehouse, you find that the inner monologue we all carry on clothes itself in Wodehouse phraseology. Result? Your inner world becomes a happier place, predicaments transform themselves into manageable, situations....He was a precious gift not only to literature, but to the world.
This is so true. Deserves a reply! My father introduced me to Wodehouse when I was in grade 10 or so. We are Sri Lankans so English being the second/third language it took me a while to get the hang of the humour. But once I got it, it opened up this amazing sunny world. My father read this books nearly 30 years ago, when he was a youth. But all this while, in hindsight, I feel that some part of wodehousian attitude to life lived within him. somewhat whimsical. a sort of light-heartedness. Thanks for the above comment, you put into words perfectly what I had in mind. :)
@@dragon1111ize I am delighted to hear it: many thanks for your words and my very best wishes to you!
Very interesting observation, and so true! The Wooster and Blandings books kept me sane during a challenging childhood. Now 40 years later I’m reading them all again.
I loved the tv series and used to say “Bally” as a kid when I was annoyed at something.
Everything Fry says about Wodehouse is 100% spot on.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have surgery. When the surgeon came into my room to check on me before the operation, she found me giggling away over one of the Bertie and Jeeves books, which I had brought with me to help keep me calm. I don't think she had ever had a pre-op patient greet her that way, but I have found that PGW never fails to calm and cheer me when I need it most.
Such a lovely memory. I hope you are doing well. That’s partly a selfish sentiment as we need more people like you, the meaningful reader who knows beauty, humor, and fun while elevating the mind.
Oh it’s painful to think of others that do not know.
I think the author would approve--so many found Jeeves and Wooster wonderful companions to distract them from the inevitable suffering and trials that come in this world, it’s a welcome escape to visit Mr Wodehouse’s literary world!
"If your Wodehouse journey starts now, you're the luckiest person in the world", absolutely true!
I was introduced to Wodehouse 20+ years ago while bored and flipping through channels to find something interesting. I was fortunate to go to my local PBS channel, and an episode of "Wooster and Jeeves" was just starting. I was hooked immediately by the charming music and Art Deco style animation, but had no idea that I was about to be immersed in a wonderful world that would bring me such joy, for the rest of my life. I'm so grateful that P.G. Wodehouse was such a prolific writer. I can't imagine two actors more perfect for the roles than Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry. I was a fan of "Black Adder", so I already liked them, but "W & J" is where I fell in love with their talent.
Jeeves and Wooster, I think you'll find.
@@ronwhite8503 I'm dyslexic, among other things.
Mr Fry is a pure bliss
I read my first Wodehouse book more than 60 years ago, and I continued ever since. I have read all that I can get my hands on, and as time passes, I enjoy them again! I'm a huge fan.
There is nothing quite like hearing a fan going full on geek about the object of their obsessed fascination.
I just discovered these books. I’m obsessed. I love Bertie and Jeeves. The stories are short and sweet and the more I listen to, the more I laugh. I haven’t tried anything else yet by P.G. Wodehouse, tho... I’m on my 4th Jeeves book. 😀
I agree with Stephen and I am not a geek. I think Dickens is still the best writer of English.
Three minutes represents obsession? Well at least Wodehouse was a brilliant and influential writer. Near genius is something worth being fascinated by. In these days when kicking or throwing or hitting a ball is consdered worthy of obsession and millions of dollars. And being admired by Waugh, among many other fine writers (includin Fry?) is quite an accomplishment
I love the great UA-cam audio of Wodehouse books.
Bathed in bliss.
“If your Wodehouse journey begins now, you are the luckiest person in the world.” I consider myself ‘fairly’ well-read and yet, in my 50 years on the planet, I never came across Wodehouse. Looked for a short story on Free with Prime Audible and Wodehouse came up top of the list with 5 stars. That was 4 weeks ago. I’m completely hooked. I simply cannot understand why I did not know this author. And then I thought, how marvelous to discover something completely new and in a random way. New author, new genre (he is his own genre), new story ideas. He’s like a British Mark Twain but with a rich man-child Tom Sawyer. Both humorists liked to include aunts. I’ve listened to nearly every Jeeves and Wooster books and Jonathan Cecil narrates and it’s the most amazing thing ever. But that ended too quickly and I *needed* more Jeeves and Wooster. So I googled to see if a British broadcast company had ever attempted to make a movie. Found super old movies that I did not enjoy and also Mr. Frye’s show with Hugh Laurie. Fell in love again! I knew I could count on the Brits. I’m working my way through the seasons now. It’s super fun to see the stories and how the adaptations of them play out. For the most part, the stories are intact even if parts were cut out or slightly changed. I love the show and the actors are so well cast. Eulalie!
May I suggest watching the Yes Minister series as well, if you haven't yet. I think you will enjoy it.
About 20 years ago, a friend of mine ("Sally") was telling me about a show she really liked, _House,_ which we watched later that evening. I said, "Wow, how different Hugh Laurie sounds with an American accent, and so serious!"
Sally asked what I meant, and I told her that he's a famous British actor who's comedy work is brilliant. Sally was stunned. A few weeks later, our local PBS station began airing _Jeeves & Wooster,_ so I called Sally to let her know about it. Sally, her husband, "Bill," and I watched together; Sally was mildly amused, said she preferred _House,_ but Bill and I were laughing throughout. I told Bill to be on the lookout for _Black Adder,_ and other fantastic shows (with & without Mr. Laurie).
What a lovely tribute, from someone who should know, and gauging from his own virtuosity, certainly does. When I read Wodehouse, Jeeves always speaks in Stephen Fry's voice. I can even see his facial expressions during the dialogue.
haha it's hard to read Wodehouse after seeing the series without the symptoms you speak of. Thankfully I'd read all the J & W books by 1984 (around 20 times each) so I'd formulated my own Jeeves and Wooster by then. The series is an absolute treasure. Very, very few liberties taken with the original plots. In the credits it reads 'Based on the stories by PG Wodehouse' but that's quite false. Each episode follows Wodehouse's scripts almost to the letter. A wonderful tribute to the greatest comedy duo of the 20th century.
I think the casting was perfect. I imagine a casting director would be tempted to cast an older actor as Jeeves to emphasize his wisdom compared to young Bertie, but as we all know Jeeves's great brain was developed by eating fish and reading Spinoza, not by world experiences. I've read everything Wodehouse wrote about Jeeves and Wooster, and I always had the impression that while Jeeves is older than Bertie, the age difference is not very great.
PGW is hands down the greatest writer
That very first episode when Jeeves (Fry) meets Wooster (Laurie) is as near perfect an adaptation of PG Wodehouse's writing as there can possibly be. Wodehouse is the supreme humorist, a maestro conductor of the language.
Exactly... you nailed it
It's very depressing how a lot of youngsters don't know about Plum, because he really is the perfect novelist. His stories are layered and hilarious, sometimes with a very serious undercurrent running beneath. His command over English in unparalleled. I'm lucky to have every single book he wrote at home. Who else would use a figure of speech like "smooth as a bus driver's seat"? XD
or 'he looked like he'd been poured into his clothes and forgotten to say 'When!''
Or 'tis a side issue and need not detain us!'
I feel as if a fox is chewing on my vitals. (We have ALL felt like that in our lives, at one time or another.)
menh
'On the occasions when Aunt is calling Aunt like mastodons bellowing across premieval swamps....' the easy brilliance of his imagery.
oh Mr. Fry! I know you'll undoubtedly never read this, but I'm *so* happy to find out that you didn't treat Jeeves simply as yet another role, but are actually a fan. both you and Mr. Wodehouse are high on my heroes list, and it's marvelous to see that you and I agree on this subject.
Yay! My Wodehouse journey begins now!
The first time I read Plum's work, it was a short story in the Friday afternoon silent reading class in 8th grade. I was 13, and I literally fell out of my chair. I got put in the corner for disrupting the class. I went to the library, and started reading every book of his that they had, and I eagerly awaited his new ones, for he was still alive in NY back then. It's been over 55 years of reading and rereading. What a gift.
I also discovered James Thurber, through "The Night the Bed Fell" in that class. It was just before JFK was killed. These stories got me through some very dark times.
Watching this video spurred me on to purchase my first Wodehouse book. The book I bought was "The World of Jeeves". BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.
Even went so far as to name a song I wrote "What Ho!!"... such was the impact it had on me!!
I've been reading Wodehouse since I was 9. I'm convinced that he changed something fundamental in me - I'm a far far more complete person! Bless your memory, plum. Norman B
Me too. Started reading them about the same age as yourself. Couldn't leave them alone until my twenties. And then Stephen and Hugh did their series . . that was one of the happiest times of my life.
@@SixStringSteve I agree! Stumbling across "Wooster and Jeeves" one evening on my local PBS station changed my life! I've been a Wodehouse, and a Fry and Laurie fan ever since. I drove my coworkers nuts quoting and imitating Jeeves proper British accent. Since I lived in E. Texas then, people just thought I was the weird girl. They were correct!
After years of hearing the name Jeeves, it was Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie who turned me on to actually reading Wodehouse, thanks to their brilliant portrayals of Jeeves and Bertie Wooster. The adaptation was superb; but, the original form is delightful.
One of the high points of my adult life was seeing them on the telly here in Texas all those years ago..Fry and Laurie were PERFECT. PBS/BBC saved our entire family on the weekends.. Good grief, the line up: "Masterpiece Theatre" who can ever forget "Upstairs/Downstairs? "Lydia", "Malice Aforethought" , "Danger Unexploded Bomb", "Open All Hours", Reggie Perrin, "Fawlty Towers" "Are You Being Served", "Keeping Up Appearances", "Only Fools and Horses" , "Butterflies" and so many more I can't remember them.. later on , "The Young Ones" had us screaming the roof off.
I was reading 'The Inimitable Jeeves' during my undergraduate graduation - just to help me through the tedium of the ceremony. It worked a treat!
I've literally had aching jaw muscles (no figure of speech there) from reading Plum, along with tears of helpless mirth and foot stomping. Unforgettable author. His literary craftsmanship has few parallels in our time.
I discovered Wodehouse when living in Singapore in the 1970s. A local friend turned me on to his short stories and novels and I read every single one that I could get my hands on at that time. When I retire from very busily teaching online, I will binge read every one of them again.
The first Wodehouse book I ever read was Right Ho, Jeeves. That was about 30 years ago. To this day it is the funniest book I've ever read. I've got 5 or 6 of those nice hardback editions that Stephen Fry is showing off. I wish I had the full set.
I am an Austrian woman who just discovered Wodehouse and I must say I am bathed in bliss, I read it of course in English
Translating Wodehouse faithfully into German would be a feat worthy of a Nobel Prize. (And maybe the Verdienstorden.)
I have no idea why it took me so long to discover Wodehouse. Since reading the Blanding Castle books I am constantly snooping around bookshops to pick up more novels that I can read and re read. I love his expression and only wish I had been encouraged to read his books earlier in life. Thanks for the video, you express my sentiments so exactly.
A great command of the language. I wish people embraced English like this author does. He is the king of the clause. :D
My father recommended him to me many years ago. He himself was not a reader, and I have no idea why he made the recommendation. My father has passed so I cannot ask him. I am exploring and thoroughly enjoying him because his writing is truly precious.
So safe in his hands....a world of gently confused earls, earnestly bumbling, vacuous young men, terrifying aunts, pretty girls laughingly tying the young men into knots, having to tear their butlers and valets away from their Spinoza long enough to fish them out of the soup.... a world without tragedy, evil or death.
Wodehouse is always an utter joy.
I was lucky enough to discover Wodehouse about ten years ago, and to this day I read and listen to his work on my iPod. I've gotten a few pals to read him, and they are fans too, but for some reason people are resistant. Maybe Cumberbatch has to play Jeeves before this new generation gets into him. Wodehouse never fails to crack me up.
Keep spreading the word! Reading at least 3 J & W books by the age of 12 should be mandatory. The world would be a better place.
I started reading Wodehouse a little over a year ago, and that’s essentially all I read now for entertainment. As I’m starting a new Wodehouse book, I order another to ensure I always have one in the queue. His writing pulls me into another world, and simply put, makes me happy. Stumbling across my first Wodehouse book was a gift and a blessing.
Deeply love Wodehouse
I've loved Wodehouse ever since I discovered "Jeeves and Wooster." I watched every episode at least five times. After that, I added Wodehouse to my library and have been a fan ever since.
Oh gosh....he was and is a master...geez...the language he uses.. it sings...I love all his books..#Jeeves#Mr.Mulliner#TheDrones...a lifetime of laughter and smiles.
I found out about Wodehouse through Fry and Laurie, and I've been laughing all the way with his wonderful work
To me as an American, Wodehouse is the quintessential British author. His stories paint a world that was kinda idealized or never really existed, but the reader so much wishes that it did. I love his use of language and his working the slang of the time into his stories. His books always puts a smile on my face.
I discovered Wodehouse only recently and the scales fell from my eyes.
I wish I could read Wodehouse for the first time again.
Same here! ... Jerome K. Jerome is another great writer.
This world, now, needs more Wodehouse.
Positively adore Wodehouse! Such blissful escapism.
I couldn’t agree more! Plum was a true comic genius! I laugh so hard reading his books, I’m in serious danger of splitting my self! Just wonderful
Because of my love of SF, this three-minute vid put me on the path to PGW. Like a kind of emotional or intellectual heroin, PGW's stories and novels have infected me. Thank you Stephen and damn you!
…One word after another, pure glory” ohhh such a tribute. Well said Jeeves.
My Wodehouse journey begins...this very week.🙏
Glad to see you and I have the same collection, Stephen!
Nobody could have played Jeeves and Wooster better than Fry and Laurie.
Laurie.
@@ronwhite8503 yes! Thank you
Ian Carmichael and Dennis Price in the 60’s had it down to a tee
@@whymblingsI looked for it, only to discover that “18 of the 20 episodes are lost” but there is one on UA-cam. Thanks for the info! 😊
I love Steven Fry's wayof talking!!🥰
I've just found PG Wodehouse. What a treasure trove.
Cristine, lucky you. There's a wonderful scene in the film How Green Was My Valley when the minister gives a sad bed-ridden boy a copy of "Treasure Island" and says to him "How I wish I were you reading this for the first time!" A friend gave me a copy of "The Inimitable Jeeves" when I was similarly depressed and laid up and it was just what I needed. May you have many more pleasurable moments in your future Wodehouse readings!
P. G. Wodehouse made a great comment on his own writing in the introduction to one of his novels. Paraphrasing it went a bit like: "Some unkind critic said of my last novel that I had used all the same characters and just given them different names. Well this time I have out-generalled the man. I have used all the same characters and given them the same names."
In the Jeeves canon, the short stories were written before the novels. One great place to start is "The World of Jeeves", a collection of all the short stories in (roughly) chronological order. Here you'll find the original versions of many of the plots from the superb "Jeeves and Wooster" tv series, plus that wonderful Wodehouse language.
I am reading Jill the Reckless this week. Ridiculous, glorious, unforgettable!
Fry is possibly the only person in the world with a wall of books that he's actually read.
I only just discovered him. I started off listening to the short stories here on UA-cam, Thankfully the full unabridged versions are here too, what. His books are an absolute joy, cheer me up no end. Trickynicky Marts, Jonelle Dailey and Harris McCall channels are all excellent readers.
The sum of all Wodehouse's art, skill and craft is the ability to elicit howls of hysterical laughter, at least once every 5 or 10 pages. The rest of the time he's merely wickedly amusing.
Totally agree. He was a supreme wordsmith. I ALSO HAVE THEM ALL.❤
I really love P. G. Wodehouse. It is a great shame that the modern generations don't seem to be able to understand his writing. I think a lot of the social mores and context are alien to the young. I waited for years for a TV adaptation of Castle Blandings (apart from the one offs like "Heavy Weather"). When it came it was appalling. It was obvious the producers and directors did not understand the material at all. If only they had watched the masterful "Jeeves and Wooster" made in 1990s with Fry & Laurie, it would have given them some insight in how to do it correctly. I still think the Fry & Laurie version is the definitive TV adaptation full of love and respect for the original material.
I love Wodehouse, for me he is the summum of humour, a piece of cake, a genius !
I have always loved reading but the interesting thing about Wodehouse for me is that he is one of very few authors who I actually prefer to listen to in audio form rather than read ,his books are perfect for listening to in the car or on a plane bus train whatever ,they are just so easy to listen to..
When people of the greatness of christopher hitchens and stephen fry advise me/ you to read woodhouse. I listen.
My Wodehouse journey began 20+ years ago, when I had a job involving a lot of driving, and began checking out books on cassette from the local library. To this day, I always advise Americans to *listen* to a Wodehouse book (preferably performed by Jonathan Cecil), so that they can understand the "rhythm" of what they are reading. Having seen the Fry and Laurie version of Jeeves and Wooster, that's who I see in my head when I read (or listen to) those books.
I just discovered Wodehouse during the lockdown . I was surprised about how funny his writing is and I adore the underlying premise of genuine humanity .
I agree... if one wants to understand the nuances of this quirky language, one has to become a PGW fan.
Wodehouse is by far my all-time favorite writer! Love his Blandiings Castle novels! Fantastic stuff!
I'm in the process of reading the Jeeves series now. (I saw the television show a while back) I started with "Extricating Young Gussie" then read "My Man Jeeves" "Very Good Jeeves" "Thank You Jeeves" and am now just about to finish up "Carry On Jeeves" So not in the right order...but that's unimportant. Wodehouse...vibrates in me and speaks to me in a way that very few authors can, and it's a beautiful thing. I'm DEVOURING these books.
Aren't they wonderful? I've read the J & W books around 20 times each, know them practically by heart. Priceless fun.
i started on psmith and that did it for me, been hooked ever since and am on book 40 now!
He's fantastic, nothing phases old Psmith with a silent P! Currently reading Ukridge who is definitely now in my top three characters. Psmith, Ukridge and Uncle Fred - what a trio!
Wodehouse should be compulsory reading at all schools. The language is awe inspiring. I find myself pausing at the end of practically every paragraph to fully soak in the wondrous prose.
Jamie B... Abso-bloomin-lutely.
I didn't 'get' Psmith, tried so hard to enjoy it but failed. I bought a few books outside of the J & W and Blandings series but they seemed to me to be written by a very different writer.
I remember my dad and I laughing till tears ran down our eyes reciting the passage in Thank you, Jeeves describing Baxter's 'majestic volplaning' fall down the stairs....
to be honest it is approximately as irrelevent as that is glorious. Start with any book you can get your hands on
I discovered Wodehouse while working on my yard and looking for an audible book. I am currently on my 8th Wodehouse novel and am in love. No one has garnished my attention about something as simple as a silver cow cream dispenser or pinching a policeman's hat. I love the relationship between Bertie and Jeeves! With characters such as Catsmeade Purdipurbrite and Gussie Finknottle in the mix. Now, I'm guessing at the spelling of those two for I'm with the audible. Don't be too harsh! What a treat....what ho!
Well done ye!
Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright.
look up Cocktail Time and Heart of a Goof! Both are extra funny!
I love these editions. They are beautiful.
Even as a frenchman, i do 100% agree with what Stephen says, as always.
Thank you for a Lovely video and Thank you Stephen. Thank you P.G. Wodehouse for your creation of a Brilliant world of Beautiful characters.
A friend with a British passport (he was born in Rhodesia) introduced me to Wodehouse years ago when we both lived in Asia. I now have most of his works in ePub format and Wodehouse is my go-to when I want something light but not vapid. He constantly makes me break out into grins as well as the occasional belly laugh.
Thanks for this Stephen, I really appreciate and love P.G Wodehouse novels, having had collected many of them and in the process of collecting them still. The laughter they evoke keep us alive.
Just read “very good, Jeeves” as my first PG Wodehouse story. 🤍
I have an early edition 1930s copy of Carry On Jeeves and it is my most prized book. A shame the previous owner has spilled something on the front, but I guess though it takes away the monetary value it does add a little bit of history.
Jo M
My copy is a paperback that is falling apart.
This is an indication that the books were well read because they were well loved. I have a book like that. My cat knocked it into my bath. The pages have come away from the spine. I still read it!
Watching the Jeeves and Wooster series and then reading the books gives both a face and voice to the characters in the books, and I really like them. There is no way I can read any of the novels and NOT associate Fry's voice with Jeeves. The books and the series are perfect.
A true "Plum!" A writer's, writer of prose wordsmithing, like few others, truly known for turning a phrase! Sarcasm without end!
These are such lovely books - binding, dust jacket, paper, print - I'm proud to own eight of them. And lucky me, my birthday's coming up, I know what will be at the top of my birthday list.
Couldn't agree more, and well put.
Thanks for spreading the Joy of PG Wodehouse. Have you ever read Wodehouse chronologically? it is interesting to see the growth from the schoolboy works through the mature J&W and Blandings and such. I too tend to hear Jeeves in your voice. You were great in that series, also enjoyed QI.
The best way, if you ask me, and I am about to finish my second complete chronological reading of the 99 books in the Everyman Collection and a few other collections of stuff he wrote (poetry, journalism, plays, songs)
A wonderfully instructive and enthusiastic introduction to Wodehouse by his no.1 fan Stephen Fry.
i love listening to stephen fry talk. so eloquent and funny.
As part of my sixtieth birthday celebration
I have started “The 1962 Project“
reading books published, given a prize or translated into English in 1962.
Fortunately there is a Wodehouse novel from that year.
I think it is from the Blandings series.
It will be my first Wodehouse novel.
Excellent. I have been listening to his sgort stories, often set in America. A world away from Jeeves and Wooster, but very moving. A great author
Love his books too.
Delightful video from a much loved character, thank you for your acting skills!
Wodehouse is the nonpareil. I knew nothing of him when I received a hardback collection from a friend as a gift. I shall never forget the glee with which, upon finishing, I learned that there many more where that came from.
I'm about to order "My man Jeeves" to start at the beginning. My mum had many of the books, but in Swedish, so I'm ordering the English one to not lose any word magic. Thank God we start learning English early in Swedish schools 😁
Mr. Fry, you gave spirit and kindness to Jeeves as nobody else I've seen in the part. Yay!
I've grew to love the books from repeatedly watching Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie in their truly marvelous TV series 'Jeeves and Wooster' It is good to be reminded that the UK has such wonderful actors, and production staff, interpretating such a Brilliant Author. It makes a marked contrast with the grey political mayhem and economic stagnation of recent times in the UK.
you are so right Sir.
It isn’t just the Jeeves and Wooster books that are incredible. I also love Psmith, Blandings Castle, and Mr Mulliner. Plum wrote enough to keep me in stitches for life. I’m glad I discovered him early on.
No actor captures the bucolic world of Wodehouse better than Richard Briars. He and Michael Hordern as Bertie and Jeeves in the BBC radio adaptations are simply sublime.
My introduction to Wodehouse was Psmith in the City & after the first paragraph I was hooked for life - Bickersdyke meets Mike by walking behind the bowlers arm causing Mike who was on 98, to be bowled by long hop.
I've been making my way through Wodehouse's Jeeves stories, fantastic reading.
Indeed! I've recently again picked up "The Golf Omnibus" to delight in Wodehouse's mastery with words, turns of phrase and storytelling. I'll need to go fins my Jeeves and Wooster stories soon too.
I started with Carry On Jeeves and I found it very amusing. That was the second book series I had ever read in English.;The first being The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings.
I saw your last upload; Stepen Fry on PGW; Very informative. Thank you ;-)
Both Carry On Jeeves and Right Oh Jeeves were gifted to me by my Grandmother as a ten-year old. They were in one of those 'book club' series you could join, advertised on the back of glossy weekend mags. I loved them and it started a life-long love of Plum.
@@SixStringSteve Your grandmother was the Right Sort!
Loved Richard Briers as Bertie and Michael Hordern as Jeeves in the BBC Radio Collection! Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit, One of my favourites!
Very well, I will give it a shot. Its hard not to after such a review
The finest line has to be , "laughed down from lazy eyelids and flicked a speck of dust from the irreproachable Mechlin lace at his cuff". Ex Prime Minister Boris Johnson even quoted the line in a speech.
The first Wodehouse book I read was The 18 Carat Kid. I laughed out loud from the first page to the last.
I love Wodehouse, especially Jeeves and Bertie. I think I have the entire collection. But I am terribly envious of the hardback pile there. I collected mine over many years and travelling to many cities. I even got some in Hon Kong. He was a genius.
I would have recommended Joy in the Morning or Heavy Weather for starters but thank you, Mr Frye, for presenting the master and giving him his due. One more thing, Wodehouse's biography, Wodehouse on Wodehouse, is hilarious, compelling and rich in anecdote.
mmm . . I read all the Blandings books but none of them, excepting perhaps Uncle Fred in the Springtime, can hold a torch to even the weakest of the J & W stories - such as the last one, Aunt's aren't Gentlemen. Despite this I read all the Blandings stories at least twice each in my teenage years, compared to reading each of the J & W books around 20 times each. Different strokes for different folks it seems.
Start with Carry On, Jeeves, and then continue with The Inimitable Jeeves, and then read every other Jeeves book in chronological order after Carry On, Jeeves. They are the best reading one could hope for.
Absolutely right. They do need to be read in order because Madeleine Bassett and Florence Craye figure in so many of them.