Product Description
George Bevan was sitting in a taxi in Piccadilly contemplating the traffic and the death of chivalry when a lovely and highly distressed damsel leapt in, pleading to be rescued from the plump young man in the silk top hat pursuing her energetically down the street.

What could a gentleman do but comply with such a request? George detached the silk hat from the rogue's head with one decisive blow, and fell promptly in love with the damsel before the cab had moved ten yards. But she was gone before he could find out her name...
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Product Description
The maid of the title is red-haired, dog-loving Wilhelmina "Billie" Bennet, and the three men are Bream Mortimer, a long-time friend and admirer of Billie, Eustace Hignett, a lily-livered poet who is engaged to Billie at the opening of the tale, and Sam Marlowe, Eustace's dashing cousin, who falls for Billie at first sight. All four find themselves on an ocean liner headed for England together, along with a capable young woman called Jane Hubbard who is smitten with Eustace, and typically Wodehousian romantic shenanigans ensue.
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Product Description
Another hilarious comedy classic by P. G. Wodehouse, the creator of the inimitable Bertie Wooster and his butler, Jeeves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Weak American hodgepodge
This American version of _The Prince and Betty_ is a combination and mutilation of the original English version (which now seems unobtainable) and _Psmith, Journalist_.The English original might be worth reading, as is _Psmith, Journalist_; but I don't see any reason for anyone but a Wodehouse completist to read this mishmash.Wodehouse didn't even take the opportunity to remove the glaring dei ex machinæ from the plot, and some aspects (e.g., [P]smith's inconsistent characterization) make sense only if you know their origin in an attempt to reconcile the unreconcilable.Some amusement is to be had, however, from the sheer incongruity, e.g., [P]smith as an alumnus of Harvard and (mild spoiler) a jailbird.

Early Wodehouse
P. G. Wodehouse had not really hit his stride yet when this story was published.The American accents/language seem somewhat stilted.Still a very funny story.Well worth collecting and well worth reading.ON the Wodehouse scale of 1-10 about a 4 (compared to Jeeves, and Blandings stories).That would translate to about an 8 on a scale with other writers.

Earlier/Alternate Version of "Psmith Journalist"
A previous reviewer has mentioned that the hero of this book, named Smith, seems so much like the more famous Wodehouse character, Psmith.The reason is that they are the same character with a few minor changes, most importantly Smith is American.

This has to do with the publication history of this book.In 1910, Wodehouse published a novel called "Psmith Journalist" werialized in the American magazine continuing the adventures of Psmith and Mike from "Psmith in the City" as they grapple with lots of American gangsters, boxers, slumlords, etc. This novel was published in book form as "Psmith Journalist" in 1915.

In the meantime, he published 2 different (US & UK) revised versions under the title "Prince and Betty" -- one with and one without an additional love story.The version here appears to be the US version.

I have read and enjoyed "Psmith Journalist," and while ,it is the weakest of his Psmith books I definately recomend it as a must for any Wodehouse fan.I haven't yet read "Prince and Betty"but am looking forward to it to see the differences between it and Psmith Journalist.Also, Jimmy Pitt the hero of the excellent Wodehouse book, "Gentleman of Leisure" makes an appearance in Prince and Betty

Wodehouse writing like Damon Runyon
Wodehouse is finely honing the comical style that characterizes the later novels. This novel, however, is very dissimilar to Bertie/Jeeves. Instead, it's more like Damon Runyon, if Runyon had written a novel. The characteristic near-misses and misunderstandings of Wodehouse are present, as is the jocular young man in spats (here called Smith, supposedly American, but reading like the Psmith of the Wodehouse books of that name), but the two main characters are college-educated Americans. It is the subplot in the last half of the story involving gangs and their "canisters" (guns) that makes it almost unbelievable that this is Wodehouse. Although comedic, the real level of danger presented to the characters is great, especially compared with later novels in which danger is usually in the form of an avenging aunt who threatens to cut off the money supply. Imagine what Wodehouse would have been like if he had chosen to follow the path of this novel rather than the Psmith novels or the Bertie/Jeeves stories!

Wodehouse does a wonderful bit of satire here on the "wholesome" newspapers of the day, probably little knowing that his fare would be held up as wholesome in later years. ... Read more

Product Description
The sunshine of a fair Spring morning fell graciously on London town. Out in Piccadilly it's heartening warmth seemed to infuse into traffic and pedestrians alike a novel jauntiness so that bus drivers jested and even the lips of chauffeurs uncurled into not unkindly smiles....This wonderful Wodehouse novel follows Ashe Marson into the drafty halls of Blandings Castle, where he will try to make "something new" of his life by purloining a rare Egyptian scarab - all for the best motives, of course. The resultant hilarious romp through a stately English country home also introduces other characters who recur throughout the Blandings Castle Saga - all part of the wonderful world of Wodehouse.Enjoy!"Wodehouse's idyllic world can never stale. He will continue to release future generations from captivity that may be more irksome than our own. He has made a world for us to live in and delight in." EVELYN WAUGH. "He exhausts superlatives" STEPHEN FRY. "Pure word music" DOUGLAS ADAMS. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Something new for you to enjoy!
Oh Mr. Wodehouse!Where would we be without you!One of the finest witty wordsmiths who ever picked up a pen.When I need a smile, or a lift, or even a roll on the floor laugh I turn to one of the many wonderful works of Wodehouse.
So many wonderful stories to choose from, and each one is from a different period in PG 'Plum' to his friends - life.While my favorite character is Psmith, how can I not enjoy the mutterings of Ukridge, or long to have my life saved from disasters by the likes of Jeeves.

Not a Jeeves story, but very funny - parenthood is the farce here!!

Stephen Fry wrote 'Without Wodehouse I am not sure I would be a tenth of what I am today...his writings awoke me to the possibilities of language.His rhythms, tropes, tricks and mannerisms are deep within me.But more than that, he taught me something about good nature.It IS enough to be benign, to be gentle, to be funny, to be kind.
As laughter is the best medicine, perhaps we need a good dose of Wodehouse from time to time, and during these bleak winter months, in the dark time of the economy, Wodehouse is just what the Doctor ordered!

Stealing to gain a woman - why not?

This summer I am determined to read as much PG Wodehouse as possible before the fall and work begins. I feel if I have lots of fun, laughs and smile often it will carry me thru the winter. In Something New, you will meet a love struck man, who, to woo a girl will steal (or try) a rare Egyptian scarab - only Wodehouse could create such a plot in this delightful wacky, witty, wild novel. I had a laugh on each page, loved every minute of it - and I can tell you after reading Wodehouse, it really does make the world easier to live in! Give yourself a break and read Wodehouse!

A Wodehouse masterpiece!
Swine flu or the recession got you down?Are you pinned against the ropes?Have you got the blues? Melancholia got you in its grip?Worried that Obama may not be able to get your brother-in-law the job running US Steel and thus off your couch?.... Fear not!The cry goes out: P.G. Wodehouse tothe rescue! There is nothing like a good Wodehouse read to cheer one up, not a pill, not a drink, not a men or women - just Wodehouse! Wodehouse is what the doctor ordered to tickle you in the funny bone and get a smile going on the old face.

This wonderful Wodehouse novel once again takes place among the drafty halls of Blandings Castle, where our poor main character will try to make "something new" of himself by stealing a rare Egyptian jewel bug -the ensuing amusing caper throughout Blandings is totally hilarious!One loud laugh after anther!A Wodehouse masterpiece!

If you love Monty Python, Faulty Towers, Jeeves and Woster, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and other witty British Comedies, you'll love this great Wodehouse work. The writing, plot, wit, and word play is spot on. This is timeless stuff. And can I add terrific?This is laugh out loud funny. I adored every moment!

Wodehouse is perhaps the best antidote for depression!
As far as I'm concerned, PG Wodehouse this is the best comic authors ever.It's understandable that Stephen Fry, Douglass Adams, and Hugh Laurie all praise him. In each of his books he brings a smile, a laugh, or even a giggle out loud.This was British comedy before Python, (and while different, the use of wit, satire, etc, makes Wodehouse a master). I used to read this book in university, pretending to listen to some lecture.These great literary treasures need to be discovered again by a new generation.Pass this book to someone who has never heard of Jeeves, Wooster, Psmith, Ukridge, Blandings, or Sally.

Make any day better with a enthusiastic portion of Wodehouse's light-hearted legendary fun. Enjoy!

Something New is set in drafty halls of Blandings Castle - so you know fun is in store!Half -wits and nit-wits are after a bug of value!

Basically it's a simple and easy choice for you, if you like one Wodehouse story you're going to like them all.

In these economically bleak times its good to invest in a book that will bring happiness to all who read it.Enjoy the hilarious works of Wodehouse - perhaps just what you need!

Something New for Wodehouse fans!
The first time I heard of P.G. Wodehouse was watching the wonderfulStephen Fry and Hugh Laurie (better known from "Black Adder" and "House") TV series "Jeeves and Wooster". That series put me on to reading as much as I could from this great writer.

This magnificent Wodehouse story follows Mr. Ashe Marson into the drafty halls of Blandings Castle, where he will try to make "something new" of his life by stealing a rare Egyptian scarab - all for the best of intentions. The ensuing amusing romp through a stately English country home introduces other characters who recur throughout the Blandings Castle stories.

Simply put, if you like one Wodehouse story you're going to like them all. Much of this can be explained by Wodehouse's mastery of the language and constant deft turns of phrase, period slang, and comic timing.

During these times the pleasant but hilarious works of Wodehouse are just what we need!
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Product Description
The heroine here, Jill Mariner, is a young woman from the lower end of the upper class. We follow her through financial disaster, a broken engagement, an awkward stay with some grasping relatives, employment as a chorus girl, and of course, the finding of true love.

Jill had money, Jill was engaged to be married to Sir Derek Underhill. Suddenly Jill becomes penniless, and she is no longer engaged. With a smile, in which there is just a tinge of recklessness, she refuses to be beaten and turns to face the world. Instead she went to New York and became a member of the chorus of "The Rose of America," and Mr. Wodehouse is enabled to lift the curtain of the musical comedy world.
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Product Description
The book tells the story of Kirk Winfield, his marriage to Ruth, and their child called Bill. Bill's upbringing is threatened by the interference of Ruth's busybody writer aunt, Mrs Lora Delane Porter.

To begin with, Kirk and Ruth's marriage was blissfully happy and in due course a son, Bill, was born. But then Ruth comes firmly under the thumb of Aunt Lora whose strong views on the care of children do not accord with Kirk's own natural, fatherly instincts.
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Product Description
When Sheen, a quiet and studious boy, finds himself facing a street brawl between boys of Wrykyn and those of St. Jude's, their sworn enemies, he slips away to safety to avoid the wrath of his masters. However, his cowardliness is noticed by his fellows, who send him to Coventry. In order to save his reputation, he must train secretly under boxing legend Joe Bevan. Can he overcome the many obstacles in his path, and restore the school's honour in the ring?
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Product Description
Kindle edition of Wodehouse's classic humor book with an active table of contents.

The book is a humorous, fictionalised account of Wodehouse's early years as a journalist.The tale is told from several viewpoints, and the character representing Wodehouse is named James Orlebar Cloyster.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Accents
The book itself I would rate three stars, but this edition only gets one star. This is an amateuristic edition in which all French accents are scrambled. Espièglerie becomes espiglerie and pied-à-terre becomes pied-terre. The printer should look for an other job, like taxi driver.
Don't buy this book.

Wodehouse's worst book
Wodehouse's books are usually very funny. They're full of clever wordplay, convoluted plots, and and lovable characters. Not George Washington doesn't have any of that. I only laughed once while reading the thing, and that was in the next-to-last chapter. The wordplay is not even remotely clever, in fact it's almost non-existent. The plot is slightly convoluted, but nowhere up to the usual Wodehouse standards. Quite frankly, I almost hated the main character, James Cloyster, because he's boring and a scoundrel. Trying to marry one woman when you're engaged to another is not the sort of behavior one expects from a Wodehousian hero.

This really isn't a good book at all. At best it's painfully mediocre. I can only recommend it to Wodehouse enthusiasts who want to collect copies of all of his works. Everyone else should steer clear. I can only give "Not George Washington" 3 stars, and that's being generous. ... Read more

Product Description
Life was always simple for Sally Nicholas -- until she became rich. Being unaccustomed to possessing a great deal of money, Sally hasn't gotten the hang of it yet. This explains why she agrees to back a show written by her fiancé Gerald and staged by her brother, Fillmore. It seems like a good way to make them all happy... but when Ginger Kemp, a rather hopeless, charming young man Sally met in Roville, appears in America and offers not-very-glad tidings about Gerald, he really puts the cat among the pigeons.
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Product Description
"No, it's not that. It's only an uncle of mine who's coming down here. He's coming tomorrow, and I'm to meet him. The uncanny part of it is that I've never heard of him before in my life." "Is your uncle likely to do his duty, Bishop?" "I tell you I don't know the man. Never heard of him. I thought I knew every uncle on the list, but I can't place this one. However, I suppose I shall have to meet him." "Rather," said Marriott, as they went into the House; "we should always strive to be kind, even to the very humblest. On the off chance, you know. The unknown may have struck it rich in sheep or something out in Australia. Most uncles come from Australia. Or he may be the boss of some trust, and wallowing in dollars. He may be anything. Let's go and brew, Bishop. Come on, Reece."
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Product Description
Kindle edition of Wodehouse's classic story collection with active table of contents. ... Read more

Product Description
All of which, being interpreted, meant that the first match of the Easter term had just come to an end, and that those of the team who, being day boys, changed over at the pavilion, instead of performing the operation at leisure and in comfort, as did the members of houses, were discussing the vital question - -who was to have first bath? The Field Sports Committee at Wrykyn - - that is, at the school which stood some half-mile outside that town and took its name from it - - were not lavish in their expenditure as regarded the changing accommodation in the pavilion. Letters appeared in every second number of the Wrykinian, some short, others long, some from members of the school, others from Old Boys, all protesting against the condition of the first, second, and third fifteen dressing-rooms. 'Indignant would inquire acidly, in half a page of small type, if the editor happened to be aware that there was no hair-brush in the second room, and only half a comb. 'Disgusted O. W. would remark that when he came down with the Wandering Zephyrs to play against the third fifteen, the water supply had suddenly and mysteriously failed, and the W.Z.'s had been obliged to go home as they were, in a state of primeval grime, and he thought that this was 'a very bad thing in a school of over six hundred boys, though what the number of boys had to do with the fact that there was no water he omitted to explain. The editor would express his regret in brackets, and things would go on as before.
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Product Description
The novel follows the lives of several of the schoolboys as they study, take part in their school sports (particularly boxing and running), and enjoy tea in their studies. After the school's sports trophies ('pots' in contemporary slang) are stolen in a burglary, the boys, their masters, and the police join in the hunt for the 'pots'.
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