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In this, his first novel, P. G. Wodehouse offers a glimpse into the insular world of an English public school scandalized by a recent burglary of its prized sports trophies ("pots") from its cricket pavilion. At first an overzealous master unjustly accuses one of the schoolboys, who happens to be in need of cash to pay a gambling debt owed to his brother. But, thanks to a Scotland Yard inspector brought in especially for the case, the boy is cleared and his promising career among the elite is left intact.
Along the way, Wodehouse gives snapshots of the everyday lives of various boys: from dealing with the idiosyncrasies of fellow students, to collecting birds' eggs and sneaking a smoke in the nearby woods while avoiding capture by gamekeepers, to cranking out an underground magazine to raise needed funds. Through it all, the boys, along with their headmaster, handle things with wit and aplomb. Consistent with a worldview in which a man "should be before anything else a sportsman," sporting contests figure prominently: a boy rises from the canvas to score an unexpected knockout, and another graciously accepts his lastsecond defeat at the finish line.
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Jeeves Stories is a collection of humorous short stories by P. G. Wodehouse that feature the adventures of his most famous characters, Jeeves and Wooster. Wooster is a wealthy and idle young English gentleman of the interwar era. Jeeves is his extraordinarily competent valet whose name has since become synonymous with perfect service. The stories follow Wooster in his wanderings about London, around England, and across the Atlantic to New York, with Jeeves following in his wake and striving to keep his employer wellgroomed and properly presented. Along the way Jeeves must somehow also manage to extricate Wooster and his friends from the various scrapes and follies they get themselves into.
First published as early as 1915, the stories first appeared on both sides of the Atlantic in publications like The Saturday Evening Post and The Strand Magazine. They were later collected into books or reworked into novels. Though only less than 50 of Wodehouse's over 300 short stories feature Jeeves and Wooster, they remain his most enduring characters. They've been copied, imitated, and featured in countless interpretations and adaptations. A century later, these stories still are as amusing and entertaining as they were when they were first published.
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"Humbug ... I won't believe it," is Scrooge's response when confronted by the ghost of his dead partner Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, and just as surely as Dickens knows that ghosts are humbugs, so too does P. T. Barnum, writing a generation later. For Barnum, humbug begins in the Garden of Eden with the temptation of Eve, and permeates all of history, through every age and in every nation, right down to his own time, where the "Great Spirit Postmaster" publishes ghost letters from veterans recently perished in the Civil War.
Barnum himself was often called the "Prince of Humbugs," but he was no cynic. In this book he sets out to make his fellow citizens a little wiser via a catalog of colorful characters and events, and mocking commentaries about how a sensible person should be more skeptical. He goes after all kinds of classic humbugs like ghosts, witches, and spiritualists, but he also calls humbug on shady investment schemes, hoaxes, swindlers, guerrilla marketers, and political dirty tricksters, before shining a light on the patent medicines of his day, impure foods, and adulterated drinks. As a raconteur, Barnum is conversational and avuncular, sharing the wisdom of his years and opening an intimate window into the New England of the mid19th century.
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School Stories is a collection of humorous short stories by P. G. Wodehouse that feature the trials, tribulations and adventures of the denizens of the turnofthecentury English boarding school.
First published in schoolboy magazines starting in 1901, the stories originally appeared in publications like The Captain and Public School Magazine. Some were also later collected into books. These stories, written more than a decade before he moved on to his more famous characters like Jeeves and Wooster, represent Wodehouse's first magazine sales and showcase his early career. While some of these stories are definitely of a moment, they're filled with delightful bits that would be instantly recognizable to students and teachers of any age. Indeed, the stories experienced a bit of a resurgence in the latter part of the 20th century, and remain a worthy part of Wodehouse's canon.
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Struggles and Triumphs is the autobiography of P. T. Barnum, the celebrated American showman. Though subtitled Forty Years' Recollections, it covers a period of over 60 years, from his birth in 1810, to the later years of his career in the 1870s.
Barnum has an engaging style, and his autobiography is crammed with many amusing and interesting incidents as he tells how he learned to make money entertaining the public through circuses, "freak shows," theatrical presentations, concert tours and the like. On the way he builds up an impressive fortune, only to lose it all through a fraudulous speculation perpetrated on him. Then he starts again, pays off his debts and builds up another, greater fortune. Though often labelled as a "humbug" or "a mere charlatan" it's clear that the majority of his contemporary Americans held him in affectionate regard.
However modern readers may be upset by Barnum's rather cavalier treatment of the animals under his care in the various menageries and aquariums he created, and be distressed by the details of how they were lost in the several fires which destroyed Barnum's Museums.
Also of great interest are Barnum's philanthropic endeavours: lecturing on teetotalism; supporting negro equality; and funding civic developments.
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P. G. Wodehouse was an incredibly prolific writer who sold short stories to publications around the world throughout his career. The settings of his stories range from the casinos of Monte Carlo to the dance halls of New York, often taking detours into rural English life, where we follow his wide variety of distinctive characters and their trials, tribulations and follies.
The stories in this volume consist of most of what is available in U.S. public domain, with the exception of some stories which were never anthologized, and stories that are collected in themed volumes (Jeeves Stories, Ukridge Stories, and School Stories). They are ordered by the date they first appeared in magazine form.
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Something New is the first novel of what became known as the "Blandings Castle Saga" by P. G. Wodehouse and was published in the United States in 1915. Two Americans, Ashe Marson and Joan Valentine, endeavor to retrieve a scarab pilfered from an American millionaire by the absentminded Lord Emsworth. Marson and Valentine soon find themselves impersonating servants while evading the Efficient Baxter.
The story was originally serialized in the Saturday Evening Post as Something Fresh in 1915. It introduced who would become the recurring characters of Blandings Castle: Lord Emsworth, Freddie Threepwood, Rupert Baxter, and Sebastian Beach.
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Affable and honourable, Lord Dawlish is the second poorest peer in England, relying on his income as a club secretary. Claire Fenwick, his beautiful fiancée, will not marry him until he has some money, so he draws up plans to travel to New York and make his fortune. When he unexpectedly comes into an inheritance, he attempts to give it to the person he believes is the more deserving recipient. This, however, proves more difficult than expected.
Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse was an English author and one of the most widely read humorists of the twentieth century. After leaving school, he was employed by a bank but disliked the work and turned to writing in his spare time. His early writing mostly consisted of school stories, but he later switched to writing comic fiction, creating several regular characters who became familiar to the public over the years, such as Bertie Wooster and Jeeves.
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Growing bored while accompanying his Cambridge chum Mike on a cricket tour of the United States, Psmith seeks adventure in New York City. He finds it in the form of the weekly newspaper Cosy Moments, a completely bland and inoffensive publication at which, through charm and sheer force of personality, Psmith appoints himself an unpaid subeditor, fires the entire contributing staff, and embarks on a crusade against the slumlords, gangs, and boxing managers of his holiday destination.
Psmith, Journalist is the second of Wodehouse's Psmith novels, and is a marked departure from the author's usual settings and themes. It presents a very strong social justice theme with direct, harsh condemnation of exploitation, corruption, racism, and inequality in earlytwentieth century America, and its themes continue to resonate with readers a century later.
The story first appeared in The Captain magazine from October 1909 to February 1910, and was first published as a book, including eight illustrations, by A & C Black in 1915. This Standard Ebook is based on the 1923 edition by the same publisher.
In the hallowed halls of Blandings Castle, chaos reigns supreme as the eccentric Psmith takes center stage. With his infectious charm and unconventional ways, Psmith embarks on a series of misadventures that leave the aristocratic inhabitants in a state of perpetual bewilderment. From organizing a cricket match on the castle lawn to rescuing a damsel in distress, Psmith's antics are a whirlwind of hilarity and absurdity. As he navigates the tangled web of love, rivalry, and social faux pas, Psmith's wit and resourcefulness prove to be both a blessing and a curse. Prepare yourself for a literary escapade filled with laughter, intrigue, and the unforgettable antics of P. G. Wodehouse's most beloved character.
In the annals of science fiction, Astounding Stories 20 stands as a beacon of imagination and wonder. Published in August 1931, this unabridged edition transports readers to a realm where the boundaries of reality blur and the impossible becomes tangible. From the mind of Captain S. P. Meek, prepare to embark on a literary odyssey that will ignite your curiosity, challenge your perceptions, and leave you breathless with its astounding tales.
In the enchanting realm of Pourquoi, Princess Celeste embarks on a whimsical adventure filled with riddles, laughter, and a touch of mischief. With her loyal companion, the wise-cracking jester, she unravels the secrets of her kingdom, one puzzling question at a time.
As Celeste delves deeper into the mysteries of Pourquoi, she discovers that the answers lie not only in the words but also in the hearts of those around her. Join the princess on her extraordinary journey as she unravels the riddles, embraces the unexpected, and finds the true meaning of being a princess.
In the tranquil Swiss Alps, a group of seemingly ordinary individuals gather for a summer holiday. But beneath the idyllic facade lies a web of deceit, betrayal, and unspoken desires.
Edward Ashburnham, a retired army officer, narrates the tale, recounting the events that led to a tragic climax. As he delves into the past, he uncovers a tangled love triangle, hidden motives, and the corrosive effects of jealousy.
With its incisive wit and psychological depth, The Good Soldier exposes the dark underbelly of human nature, questioning the very meaning of loyalty, honor, and love.
In "Calculus Made Easy," renowned physicist and mathematician Silvanus P. Thompson presents a lucid and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of calculus. With his engaging writing style and clear explanations, Thompson demystifies the subject, making it approachable for students and general readers alike.
Through a series of carefully crafted chapters, Thompson covers topics such as limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications of calculus in various fields. His emphasis on practical examples and real-world scenarios helps readers grasp the practical significance of calculus and its role in solving complex problems.
In the annals of science fiction, Astounding Stories 14 stands as a beacon of imagination and wonder. Published in February 1931, this unabridged edition transports readers to a realm of extraordinary tales by Captain S. P. Meek. From the depths of space to the uncharted territories of the human mind, this collection showcases the boundless possibilities of the genre. Prepare to be captivated by thrilling adventures, thought-provoking ideas, and the boundless creativity that has shaped the world of science fiction.
Step into the world of Bertie Wooster, a hapless aristocrat whose life is a constant whirlwind of misadventures. With his unflappable valet, Jeeves, by his side, Bertie navigates the treacherous waters of high society, dodging aunts, evading creditors, and pursuing the elusive love of his life.
In this collection of hilarious short stories, Jeeves's brilliance shines through as he masterfully extricates Bertie from one predicament after another. From mistaken identities to romantic entanglements, Jeeves's wit and ingenuity prove indispensable. Prepare to be charmed by the inimitable duo as they navigate the absurdities of life with aplomb and a touch of chaos.
In the quaint coastal town of Boston, amidst the bustling streets and salty air, resides the indomitable Mrs. Partington. With her sharp wit and unwavering determination, she navigates the trials and tribulations of life with a unique blend of humor and wisdom. Join Mrs. Partington and her eccentric family as they encounter mishaps, misadventures, and the occasional absurdity that life throws their way. Through their hilarious escapades and poignant reflections, discover the enduring charm and timeless appeal of this beloved literary creation.
Prepare to delve into the realm of the macabre with "Short Ghost and Horror Collection 033 (Unabridged)." This chilling anthology gathers a haunting array of tales from literary masters H. P. Lovecraft and beyond. From the eerie whispers of ancient spirits to the terrifying grip of supernatural forces, these stories will send shivers down your spine and leave you breathless with anticipation. Immerse yourself in a world where shadows dance and the unknown lurks just beyond the veil of reality.
In the captivating pages of "Struggles and Triumphs," P.T. Barnum, the legendary showman, unveils his extraordinary life story. From humble beginnings to unparalleled success, Barnum recounts his remarkable journey, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Through his vivid prose, readers will witness the creation of the American Museum, the rise of Jenny Lind, and the behind-the-scenes secrets of his extraordinary career. Prepare to be enthralled by the wit, wisdom, and indomitable spirit of one of the most iconic figures in American history.
In the tumultuous years of the American Revolution, a young immigrant named Alexander Hamilton rises from obscurity to become one of the most influential figures in the founding of the United States.
Hamilton's life is a story of ambition, brilliance, and betrayal. He was a brilliant orator, a gifted writer, and a fearless soldier. He was also a ruthless politician who made enemies as easily as he made friends.
Hamilton's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a brilliant statesman who helped to shape the American government, but he was also a flawed man who made many mistakes. His life is a fascinating study in the human condition, and his story continues to inspire and intrigue people today.
