P.G. Wodehouse, the original literature humorist (as far as I’m concerned). Among his large collection of stories, the ones which feature the character of Jeeves are my favorite. Some excerpts from the first chapter…
On inappropriate dinner atire:
‘I was at one time in Lord Worplesdon’s employment. I tendered my resignation because I could not see eye to eye with his lordship in his desire to dine in dress trousers, a flannel shirt, and a shooting coat.’
On polishing shoes:
‘I beg your pardon, sire. I was endeavoring to find you.’
‘What’s the matter?’
‘I felt that I should tell you, sir, that somebody has been putting black polish on our brown walking shoes.’
‘What! Who? Why?’
‘I could not say, sir.’
‘Can anything be done with them?’
‘Nothing, sir.’
‘Damn!’
‘Very good, sir.’
On the topic of an awful looking suit:
‘Oh, Jeeves,’ I said; ‘about that check suit.’
‘Yes, sir?’
‘Is it really a frost?’
‘A triffle too bizarre, sir, in my opinion.’
‘But lots of fellows have asked me who my tailor is.’
‘Doubtless in order to avoid him, sir.’
‘He’s supposed to be one of the best men in London.’
‘I am saying nothing against his moral character, sir.’
‘All right, Jeeves,’ I said. ‘You know! Give the bally thing away to somebody!’
‘Thank you, sir. I gave it to the under-gardener last night. A little more tea, sir?’
Some of the stories were also adapted into an excellent TV series, simply named “Jeeves and Wooster.” A previous post on the show: Jeeves Disapproves
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