My Man Jeeves (Jeeves #1)

Title: My Man Jeeves (Jeeves #1)

Author: P G Wodehouse

Published in: 1919

Date read: 27th February 2025

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fiction, Classic, Comedy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"My Man Jeeves," published in 1919, is an early collection of short stories by P.G. Wodehouse that introduces two of his most enduring and beloved characters: the resourceful valet Jeeves and his master, the amiable but dim-witted aristocrat Bertie Wooster. This book is a crucial foundational text in the Bertie and Jeeves saga, though it is not a traditional novel.

The collection is made up of eight stories, but only four of them feature Jeeves and Bertie. The other four stories revolve around an entirely different character, Reggie Pepper, who is considered a prototype for Bertie Wooster.

The four Jeeves and Wooster stories are:

"Leave it to Jeeves": This is the very first story where Jeeves is introduced. A friend of Bertie's is in love with a woman he believes is unobtainable. Bertie tries to help but only makes things worse, forcing Jeeves to step in with his infallible "little grey cells" to fix the situation.

"Jeeves and the Unbidden Guest": Jeeves must find a way to get rid of a troublesome and irritating houseguest who has overstayed his welcome.

"Jeeves and the Hard-boiled Egg": Jeeves assists Bertie and his friend, "Bicky," in a financial dilemma, once again proving his ingenious problem-solving skills.

"The Aunt and the Sluggard": Jeeves gets Bertie out of a sticky situation involving a difficult aunt and a lazy young man, showing off his signature blend of cunning and effortless grace.

The four Reggie Pepper stories are:

"Absent Treatment"
"Rallying Round Old George"
"Doing Clarence a Bit of Good"
"Helping Alphonse"

These stories follow Reggie as he bumbles through a series of social and romantic mishaps, which are often caused by his own misguided attempts to help his friends. While they lack the specific dynamic of the Jeeves-Wooster relationship, they are filled with Wodehouse's characteristic wit, clever dialogue, and charmingly absurd plots.

"My Man Jeeves" is a delightful, if somewhat disconnected, collection. It serves as an early showcase for Wodehouse's comedic genius, with the Jeeves stories establishing the perfect symbiotic relationship between the clever valet and his foolish master. It is a must-read for fans of the series, as it contains the very first glimpse of the duo that would become a cornerstone of English humor.

Comments:
I have seen TV adaptations and things that have taken inspiration from the works of P G Wodehouse but this is the first time that I have read any of his work. It is simply funny and ahead of its time. Such a light-hearted book split into eight stories. I do not agree with spoilers but I have to share this wonderful quote that still makes me giggle,

"I hadn't the heart to touch my breakfast. I told Jeeves to drink it himself"

It is a part of our heritage, give it a go.

Books that we've read by P G Wodehouse (1):
My Man Jeeves (Jeeves #1) (1919)