Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit by P.G. Wodehouse

Oh, that Bertie Wooster. 

I just finished Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (1954) by P.G. Wodehouse. I do believe it is one of the only full-length novels that I have read starring the feckless Wooster and his man, the shimmering Jeeves. Mostly I have made their

acquaintance through short stories. 

I recently wrote about watching all four seasons of Jeeves and Wooster with Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, and of course I could only see and hear them in my mind's eye as I read this comic tale. That only added to my enjoyment.

The trouble, and there is always trouble when Bertie is about, begins with Bertie growing a moustache to the disappointment and disgust of Jeeves. The action moves from London to Aunt Dahlia's stately home, Brinkley Court, and involves pearl necklaces, side whiskers, disappearing ladders, a restorative concoction invented by Jeeves, a cosh, a bout of dyspepsia, engagements made and broken, and more cliff-hangers than can be counted. 

Just as Bertie gets out of one jam, another presents itself which is where the fun is. How will B.W. work his way out of this corner!

Odd as it may sound, a book with the unlikely title The Mystery of the Pink Crayfish and its author play a part in this romp. Of course, Jeeves is on hand to smooth Bertie's bumpy way. Bertie eventually sees the light regarding said moustache to which Jeeves, with just the tiniest raising of an eyebrow, can only reply:

"Thank you very much, sir."

What Jeeves and Wooster Have Taught Me

Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry
as
Bertie Wooster and Jeeves
along with the ubiquitous silver tray.

As a big fan of P.G. Wodehouse, I have been having a great time watching the twenty-three episodes on DVD of Jeeves and Wooster starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. These two actors are priceless and bring much verve and style to Wodehouse's characters of aristocrat Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves.

Here are some things I have learned:

From Jeeves:
1. Serve everything on a silver tray - from a cup of tea to a snifter of brandy.
2. Don't argue with your employer. "Very good sir" goes a long way in keeping the peace.
3. Never stop learning. Jeeves is a big fan of Spinoza and he is a fountain of knowledge on everything from mushrooms to moonshine.
4. When you turn down the bed, a quick smoothing of the sheets and pillow cases with your hand makes for a more restful night. 
5. You get more accomplished if you slow down and make informed decisions. 

From Bertie:
1. Formidable aunts are not to be trifled with.
2. Clever plans will most likely go awry.
3. Staying single and having a valet to care for you is really the best way to live.
4. You can be too good a friend sometimes and get yourself into some very sticky situations trying to help out.
5. Have your morning tea in bed. No need to rush into the day.

What Ho, Jeeves!

Recently I admitted to having a literary crush on Jeeves, the inimitable man's man, and that aristocratic gentleman, Bertie Wooster. What better way to put myself in their company than to watch episodes of Jeeves and Wooster starring Stephen Fry as Jeeves and Hugh Laurie as Bertie.

There were four seasons of the British comedy (1990-1993) made up of 23 episodes all of which I rented from my local, independent video store. I have been laughing all week. 

What a delight. Here is Hugh Laurie before he became the scruffy, misanthrope Dr. House, playing Bertie with just the right stiff upper lip and generous heart. (Like House, Bertie carries a cane only his has a silver handle.) Stephen Fry couldn't be more of a gentleman's gentleman ("As you wish, sir.") forever helping Bertie get out of sticky situations and advising him against sartorial missteps. 

The wittiness of P.G. Wodehouse is all here - the goofy names and nicknames (Bingo, Marmy, and the newt-loving Gussie Fink-Nottle), the antics of the members of The Drones Club, the terror Bertie feels when in the presence of his formidable aunts. The lovers' quarrels, the lovers' makeups. Dogs. Tea. Policemen's helmets. 

And the sets are gorgeous. Beautiful shots of stately homes, Bertie's London apartment, book-filled libraries to die for, roadster trips along narrow roads showing off the English countryside. Some of the action even takes place at Highclere Castle the location for the goings on at Downton Abbey.

Right ho! There is no better place to be in this world than with Jeeves and Wooster. My heart be still.