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| (from The New York Times) |
Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
Born: October 15, 1881, Guildford, United Kingdom
Died: February 14, 1975 (age 93 years), Southampton, NY
A lot happened between those two dates.
Wodehouse (Plum to friends) was a prolific British author of all things humorous. Song lyrics for Broadway; serials for magazines; movies in Hollywood. But what he's best known for is the irreverent, fascinating and unforgettable characters that he created. Characters who, when their names are mentioned, spark an instant recognition to most people today, almost a century after their creation. Names like Bertie Wooster and his infinitely sagacious gentleman's personal gentleman, (Reginald) Jeeves. Or Clarence, Lord Emsworth, of Blandings Castle, famous in the annals of history for pumpkins and pigs. His lordship's brother, man-about-town, Galahad Threepwood; his long suffering sister Constance; his loyal butler, Beach; and his second-born, Freddie Threepwood. And we won't even touch on the large bevy of his sisters and nieces.
Don't forget his neighbor, Sir Gregory Parsloe, Bart.
There's Psmith, the pioneering journalist And Psmith's friend, Mike, who attended Wrykyn.
Or Ukridge, who raises chickens, when not running a school for Pekingese dogs.
Don't forget about Jill the Reckless, or Sam the Sudden. Or Bill Lister.
And, of course, Mr. Mulliner's family stories, told at The Angler's Rest.
Then there's Cuthbert, as well as Lord Ickenham.
Honestly, this is beginning to sound like a Who's Who, so, I'll quit while I'm ahead.
Suffice it to say, Plum was a busy guy, and we fans are oh so thankful for that. With around 90-100 stories to his name, Wodehouse will be amusing... dare I say, ensnaring... future generations to come with his beautiful use of the English language and captivating humor. There is no one quite like him. That is why he was, and will remain, The Master.
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