The Code Of The Woosters: The Funniest Book Ever Written?
6/15/20261 hr 5 min
How did P.G. Wodehouse become one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century? Why have Jeeves and Wooster become such an iconic pairing? And, did P.G. Wodehouse collaborate with the Nazis?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Code Of The Woosters, the world it was born of, and the novel itself.
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First 90 secondsDominic Sandbrook· Host0:00
[upbeat music] I was standing there hoping for the best when my meditations were broken in upon by an odd gargling sort of noise, something like static and something like distant thunder. And to cut a long story short, this proved to proceed from the larynx of the dog, Bartholomew. [chuckles] He was standing on the bed, stropping his front paws on the coverlet, and so easy was it to read the message in his eyes that we acted like two minds with but a single thought. At the exact moment when I soared like an eagle onto the chest of drawers, Jeeves was skimming- [chuckles] ... like a swallow onto the top of the cupboard. Jeeves was the first to break a rather strained silence.
Tabitha Syrett· Host0:48
The book does not appear to be here, Sir. I have searched the top of the cupboard, Sir, but I have not found the book.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host0:56
It may be that my reply erred a trifle on the side of acerbity. My narrow escape from those slavering jaws had left me a bit edgy. "Blast the book, Jeeves. What about this dog?"
Tabitha Syrett· Host1:07
Yes, Sir.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host1:10
What do you mean, "Yes, Sir"?
Tabitha Syrett· Host1:11
I was endeavoring to convey that I appreciate the point which you have raised, Sir. The animal's unexpected appearance unquestionably presents a problem. While he continues to maintain his existing attitude, it will not be easy for us to prosecute the search for Mr. Fink-Nottle's notebook. Our freedom of action