Subject
Valets -- Fiction Books
Best books
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Right Ho, Jeeves
"Right Ho, Jeeves" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel published in 1934. When Bertie Wooster dismisses Jeeves's counsel and takes matters into his own hands, chaos erupts at his Aunt Dahlia's country estate. Between a lovesick newt-enthusiast, broken engagements, a temperamental French chef, and a disastrous prize-giving ceremony, Bertie's well-intentioned meddling creates one catastrophe after another. As complications multiply and romantic entanglements threaten his own freedom, Bertie must swallow his pride and turn to his brilliant valet for rescue.
Harry Leon Wilson
Ruggles of Red Gap
"Ruggles of Red Gap" by Harry Leon Wilson is a comedic novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around Ruggles, a British valet in service to the Honourable George Augustus Vane-Basingwell, who becomes embroiled in a cultural and social upheaval when he loses a wager and is "won" by an American family, the Flouds. The narrative promises a humorous exploration of class differences, culture clash, and Ruggles’ journey from a proper English gentleman's servant to a rather reluctant member of an American household. At the start of the novel, Ruggles is preparing the Honourable George for an evening out in Paris, discussing the potential implications of lobster on his complexion while the Honourable George eagerly anticipates a poker game with Americans, hinting at both his gambling misadventures and his complicated character. The opening reveals the tensions between the British and American characters, foreshadowing the comedic chaos that will ensue. Ruggles’ observations about George's flaws and the awkwardness of social interactions set a humorous tone, while his superstitions about a gypsy's prophecy about change on his fortieth birthday suggest an impending upheaval in his orderly life. As the narrative unfolds, Ruggles is pushed into an unexpected adventure filled with unique characters and comedic situations, hinting at the challenges he will face as he navigates his new, unanticipated role in American society.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
My man Jeeves
"My Man Jeeves" by P. G. Wodehouse is a collection of short stories first published in May 1919. The eight stories split between two worlds: half introduce the now-legendary duo of gentleman Bertie Wooster and his ingenious valet Jeeves, while the others feature Reggie Pepper, an early prototype for Bertie. These tales of comic misadventures, romantic entanglements, and clever solutions established characters who would become enduring icons of English humor.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
The Inimitable Jeeves
"The Inimitable Jeeves" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel published in 1923, assembled from eleven interconnected short stories. The book follows Bertie Wooster and his ingenious valet Jeeves through a series of comic misadventures involving romantic entanglements, meddling relatives, and troublesome friends. Bertie's friend Bingo Little perpetually falls in love with unsuitable women, while Aunt Agatha relentlessly pushes unwanted marriage prospects. Through elaborate schemes and social complications, Jeeves consistently demonstrates his remarkable problem-solving abilities, rescuing Bertie and his circle from one absurd predicament after another.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Carry On, Jeeves
"Carry On, Jeeves" by P. G. Wodehouse is a collection of ten short stories first published in 1925. The book chronicles the misadventures of Bertie Wooster and his brilliant valet Jeeves, beginning with their very first meeting. From New York to the English countryside, Bertie's well-meaning attempts to help friends with romantic troubles, family complications, and financial predicaments invariably require Jeeves' ingenious intervention. Each story presents a new comedic predicament that only the unflappable gentleman's gentleman can untangle with his trademark cleverness and discretion.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
A Wodehouse Miscellany: Articles & Stories
"A Wodehouse Miscellany: Articles & Stories" by P. G. Wodehouse is a collection of humorous articles and stories likely written during the early 20th century. The work features a range of whimsical topics, showcasing Wodehouse’s signature wit and style as he delves into various aspects of life, humorously capturing the intricacies of human behavior and society. Key characters, such as the inept Game-Captain and the delightfully self-aware Reggie, illustrate the charm and folly that punctuate Wodehouse's observations. At the start of the collection, the tone is established through a richly comic critique of sportsmanship and social quirks, specifically focusing on the dynamics of being a Game-Captain alongside colorful descriptions of players with vastly differing levels of commitment. Each character type—a keen player, a partial slacker, and an absolute slacker—is fleshed out in a way that creates a lively tableau, ripe for both humor and reflection. The opening shifts seamlessly between anecdotes and character sketches, offering a taste of the variety in Wodehouse’s storytelling, while engaging readers with his clever language and satirical insights into the absurdities of both sport and social interactions.
Denis Diderot
Jacques le fataliste et son maître
"Jacques le fataliste et son maître" by Denis Diderot is a philosophical narrative written between 1765 and 1784. A master and his servant Jacques travel together, with Jacques promising to recount his love affairs along the way. Their journey becomes a playful experiment in storytelling as the narrative constantly digresses, interrupts itself, and challenges the conventions of the novel. Through embedded tales, philosophical debates, and direct addresses to the reader, Diderot creates a complex work that questions fate, free will, and the very nature of fiction itself.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Death at the Excelsior, and other stories
"Death at the Excelsior, and Other Stories" by P. G. Wodehouse is a collection of short stories likely written in the early 20th century. The title story sets a tone of mystery intertwined with dark humor as it unravels the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Captain John Gunner in a boarding house, hinting at themes of intrigue while introducing characters like Mrs. Pickett, the boarding house owner, and various other eccentric residents. The opening of the story begins with the grim discovery of Captain Gunner's body by two characters: Constable Grogan and Mrs. Pickett. Their observations prompt speculation about the cause of death, which the doctor is uncertain about but suspects foul play involving poisoning, despite initial theories pointing towards apoplexy or a heart attack. As the plot unfolds, the mysterious circumstances deepen, particularly when it is revealed that the captain was previously in good health. The narrative quickly introduces Detective Oakes, who is assigned to investigate, and as he delves into the peculiar details surrounding the captain's demise, tension builds over the secretive behaviors of other characters in the boarding-house, ultimately leading to further complications and an unexpected confession.
Arthur Cheney Train
McAllister and His Double
"McAllister and His Double" by Arthur Cheney Train is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the main character, McAllister, a clubman who faces an unexpected and tumultuous Christmas when he becomes mistaken for a criminal named Fatty Welch. The narrative explores themes of identity, social class, and fate in a comically embroiled twist of events. The opening of the book introduces McAllister as a somewhat disgruntled clubman who is stuck at his club during the Christmas season, longing for company and feeling irritated by the festive atmosphere surrounding him. His evening takes a dramatic turn when he finds himself in a runaway cab with a dangerous criminal and is soon arrested, believing he is merely a victim of circumstance. McAllister grapples with being mistakenly identified as a notorious thief, leading to a series of unfortunate yet humorous encounters with the police and his former valet, Wilkins. This sets the stage for an engaging exploration of mistaken identity and the chaos that ensues as McAllister seeks to clear his name, discovering both the absurdity of his situation and the inherent struggles of those living on the fringes of society.
Arnold Bennett
Buried Alive: A Tale of These Days
"Buried Alive: A Tale of These Days" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around the life of Priam Farll, a reclusive and shy painter who has achieved immense fame and wealth but struggles with his personal life and social interactions. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Priam Farll, who is described as living in a largely empty, forlorn house in South Kensington while wearing a striking puce dressing-gown. Despite his success as an artist, revealed through the acclaim of his infamous portrait of a policeman, Farll experiences profound shyness and superficiality in human connections. In his solitude, he reflects on his life and relationships, particularly his reliance on his valet, Henry Leek. The narrative establishes a paradox in Farll's character: while he is a brilliant artist revered by the public, he is personally lost and helpless in the mundane realities of life, setting the stage for a comedic and poignant exploration of identity and self-worth.
Ambrose Pratt
First Person Paramount
"First Person Paramount" by Ambrose Pratt is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Agar Hume, a talented mimic who becomes a valet to the wealthy and enigmatic Sir William Dagmar. As Agar navigates the challenges of his new position, he uncovers a web of mysteries surrounding Dagmar and his circle of aristocratic friends, all of whom share a peculiar bond tied to their illnesses and a macabre gambling society. The opening of the novel introduces Agar's difficult upbringing and his struggles as he finds himself in London, desperate for work. After securing a position as Sir William's valet, he quickly learns the peculiar habits of his employer, who suffers from consumption. As Agar acclimates to his role, he grows increasingly intrigued by the secretive gatherings of Dagmar and his friends, which involve dark humor and fatal wagers regarding their declining health. The opening chapters set the stage for a deeper exploration of themes such as ambition, morality, and the complexities of human interaction in a society where life and death are treated with morbid levity.
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