Carry On, Jeeves

Carry On, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse (1925) I have to admit that I’d avoided P. G. Wodehouse up until now, for no good reason, so just checking out his bibliography is intimidating, yet comforting—should I find myself charmed, one has never to fear “running out.” But—how to choose? Well, what’s reasonable in the used bookstore, and available “now” on the audiobook app—which turned out to be this book—narrated by the estimable Martin Jarvis—which I enjoyed thoroughly, a couple of times through. I don’t believe this is quite the same as the original version of this book proper—somewhat less, and different order and who knows, but it’s hard to tell—stories were serialized, collected, re-collected, maybe re-written. My whole approach would probably mortify strict Wodehousians—this must be some group—would they welcome me with open arms or tell me to stay home? At any rate, the stories here are: “Jeeves Takes Charge,” “Jeeves and the Unbidden Guest,” “The Artistic Career of Corky,” “The Aunt and the Sluggard,” “Clustering Round Young Bingo,” “Jeeves and the Hard-Boiled Egg,” and “The Rummy Affair of Old Biffy.” Which begin with Bertie Wooster first engaging his valet, Jeeves, who he quickly grows to depend on for the stickiest matters, sensitive situations, and developing fiascos. Jeeves is of course a genius-level problem solver to the extent that he’s quite scary. Bertie sits halfway between Jeeves’ brilliance and the moronic misadventures of some of his cohorts. It’s a loving relationship, including an ongoing conflict involving Bertie’s questionable choices in clothing and grooming and Jeeves’ impeccable taste. While the situations are all hilarious, the best thing throughout is the language—and endless cascade of English expressions of the time and colorful slang—my favorite, naturally, being “rummy”—which as far as I can tell can mean pretty much anything. I have to struggle, now, to keep from using it excessively, myself.

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