Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Penguin Classics (2001), Paperback, 256 pages
Description
Who would think that an eighteenth-century silver cow creamer could cause so much trouble? Uncle Tom wants it, Sir Watkyn Bassett has it, and Aunt Dahlia is blackmailing Bertie to steal it. With relations between Bertie and Sir Watkyn being far from cordial (ever since the Boat Race night, when Sir Watkyn fined the young Wooster five pounds for pinching a policeman's helmet), the situation looks tricky. Arriving at Totleigh Towers, Sir Watkyn's country seat, matters get progressively worse. The nightmare crew includes not only that fierce old magistrate but his right-hand man, the frightful Roderick Spode. Add to that Madeline Bassett, Gussie Fink-Nottle, Stiffy Byng, and Harold 'Stinker' Pinker and there's only one thing to say: 'What ho, Jeeves!'.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
This stands alongside Right Ho, Jeeves as Wodehouse at his best, with Bertie Wooster finding himself up against it as never before while Jeeves rallies round to save 'the young master'. The novel is utterly idyllic.
Many of the old favourite characters make an appearance with Aunt Dahlia as
Roderick Spode is an interesting character as he represents almost the only instance of Wodehouse indulging in political satire. Spode is an aspiring politician and is clearly modelled on Sir Oswald Mosley, leading a far-right group called 'The Saviours of Britain' who roam the streets wearing black shorts (yes, shorts rather than shirts, because, as Gussie Fink-Nottle explains to Bertie, 'by the time Spode formed his association, there were no shirts left'. He does, however, have a dark, zealously-guarded secret which will become central to the plot. He has also worshipped Madeleine and has sworn to punish anyone who in any way mars her happiness.
There are some classic set pieces here, on a par with Gussie's speech to the Market Snodsbury school from Right Ho, Jeeves, including bertie's first encounter with Sir Watkyn Bassett and Spode in an antique shop in the Brompton Road and Constable Oates's misadventure while cycling unaware of Bartholomew's proximity.
As is always the case with Wodehouse's novels, and particularly the adventures of Bertie and Jeeves, the plot is sinuous to the point of defeating summary. Suffice it to say that it revolves around a hideous silver cow creamer! The numerous twists are deftly managed, and all of the loose ends are resolved in full.
Pure entertainment from start to finish.
Many of the old favourite characters make an appearance with Aunt Dahlia as
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ebullient and strident as ever while Gussie Fink-Nottle and Madeleine Bassett continue their feeble meandering through the world. We also meet some new characters who will develop into central figures in the Wooster oeuvre: Sir Watkyn Bassett (former magistrate and father of the simpering Madeleine), Roderick Spode, would-be leader of men, and Stephanie ("Stiffy") Byng, neice and ward of Sir Watkyn and the owner of Bartholomew, the redoubtable Aberdeen terrier.Roderick Spode is an interesting character as he represents almost the only instance of Wodehouse indulging in political satire. Spode is an aspiring politician and is clearly modelled on Sir Oswald Mosley, leading a far-right group called 'The Saviours of Britain' who roam the streets wearing black shorts (yes, shorts rather than shirts, because, as Gussie Fink-Nottle explains to Bertie, 'by the time Spode formed his association, there were no shirts left'. He does, however, have a dark, zealously-guarded secret which will become central to the plot. He has also worshipped Madeleine and has sworn to punish anyone who in any way mars her happiness.
There are some classic set pieces here, on a par with Gussie's speech to the Market Snodsbury school from Right Ho, Jeeves, including bertie's first encounter with Sir Watkyn Bassett and Spode in an antique shop in the Brompton Road and Constable Oates's misadventure while cycling unaware of Bartholomew's proximity.
As is always the case with Wodehouse's novels, and particularly the adventures of Bertie and Jeeves, the plot is sinuous to the point of defeating summary. Suffice it to say that it revolves around a hideous silver cow creamer! The numerous twists are deftly managed, and all of the loose ends are resolved in full.
Pure entertainment from start to finish.
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LibraryThing member ben_a
Not, to my mind, quite as crystalline a work of perfection as some other Woodehouse*, but thoroughly splendid. I believe it is the first Woodehouse to contain the reference to the cloven hooves of aunts, and the second in which someone is referred to as a "dream rabbit." Notable also for the
*Making any criticism of Woodehouse brings to mind A.A. Milne's caution to readers of Wind in the Willows: "don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgment on yourself. You may be worthy: I don't know, But it is you who are on trial." To oppose Wodehouse in any serious way is literally to oppose the right order of the heavens.
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set-piece with the bicycle, and the telling-off of the loathsome Spode.*Making any criticism of Woodehouse brings to mind A.A. Milne's caution to readers of Wind in the Willows: "don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgment on yourself. You may be worthy: I don't know, But it is you who are on trial." To oppose Wodehouse in any serious way is literally to oppose the right order of the heavens.
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LibraryThing member atimco
This was my first Wodehouse on audio CD, and it was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I've read and enjoyed several Wodehouse titles so far, but listening to Wodehouse on CD is a completely different experience. I loved every minute.
This story is a wonderfully convoluted plot in which
But as usual, there's so much more to the plot than just that. Stiffy Byngs, Aunt Dahlia, Roderick Spode, Sir Watkin Bassett, and several other great characters also have a lot to do in pursuit of matrimony, leather-covered notebooks, and silver cow creamers. Wodehouse uses each person's distinct personality and motives to press his finger firmly on the funny-bone, and the result is merciless hilarity.
Jonathan Cecil narrates this edition, and a fine job he does of it. His different voices for all the characters are excellent. He switches between them so effortlessly in the quick dialogue. His voice is smooth, his accent is perfect, and he has a great feel for comic timing and delivery.
I listened to this while driving home from work for the past two weeks, and it was a rare day that did not find me laughing aloud as I drove. I'm sure it looked a bit odd to my fellow motorists, but when Wodehouse is really tightening the vise you have no choice. Laughter will out. This is highly recommended!
This story is a wonderfully convoluted plot in which
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Bertie goes to Totleigh Towers in quest of a hideous silver cow creamer for his uncle — or rather, for his Aunt Dahlia to give to his uncle to butter him up for the big cheque she needs for her ladies' journal. But Bertie is also winging his way to Totleigh to answer a desperate summons from his old pal Augustus Fink-Nottle. It seems that Gussie's engagement to Madeleine Bassett is off, which is terrible news for Bertie because whenever she's not engaged to Gussie, Madeleine considers herself engaged to Bertie. She is, Bertie says with revulsion, the sort of woman who would creep up behind her husband at breakfast, clasp her hands over his eyes, and say gleefully, "Guess who!" I shiver with Bertie in horror!But as usual, there's so much more to the plot than just that. Stiffy Byngs, Aunt Dahlia, Roderick Spode, Sir Watkin Bassett, and several other great characters also have a lot to do in pursuit of matrimony, leather-covered notebooks, and silver cow creamers. Wodehouse uses each person's distinct personality and motives to press his finger firmly on the funny-bone, and the result is merciless hilarity.
Jonathan Cecil narrates this edition, and a fine job he does of it. His different voices for all the characters are excellent. He switches between them so effortlessly in the quick dialogue. His voice is smooth, his accent is perfect, and he has a great feel for comic timing and delivery.
I listened to this while driving home from work for the past two weeks, and it was a rare day that did not find me laughing aloud as I drove. I'm sure it looked a bit odd to my fellow motorists, but when Wodehouse is really tightening the vise you have no choice. Laughter will out. This is highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member lethalmauve
“Never let a pal down.”
If someone told me how hilarious The Code of the Woosters was I wouldn’t have believed them with a bat of an eyelash. As someone who doesn’t laugh very easily I’m surprised by the countless of guffaws and snorts I let out as I made my way through this charming
If someone told me how hilarious The Code of the Woosters was I wouldn’t have believed them with a bat of an eyelash. As someone who doesn’t laugh very easily I’m surprised by the countless of guffaws and snorts I let out as I made my way through this charming
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novel. P.G. Wodehouse’s prose is easy-breezy with an amusing lyrical clang that bangs with comical twists and ingenious schemes. Wonderfully stitched, it tells of Bertram Wooster and a series of seemingly ridiculous mishaps he has to get himself out of with a brilliant helping hand from his cunning manservant Jeeves. With a number of betrothals to fix, a cow-creamer to acquire for a dear aunt, and a stolen policeman helmet to rid of, The Code of the Woosters is a perfect blend of manipulation, silliness, and creative wordplay (fun enough to say out loud whilst reading) without much of a clear conclusion in sight. This builds anticipation really well; the pages end up being consumed quicker than expected then it closes with a big grin of relief. Ah, all’s well that end’s well indeed. Show Less
LibraryThing member Banoo
I want to say that this was a 'laugh out loud' kind of book but I'd be lying because I don't laugh out loud when reading a book nor have I seen many people laugh out loud while reading a book. I think there may be exceptions to this but have no explanations for this phenomena except maybe the
Bertram Wooster and Jeeves are able to solve every problem that comes their way and problems come their way non-stop. I couldn't help but think of Fawlty Towers and Basil Fawlty. I'm pretty sure John Cleese must have read a bunch of Wodehouse. In fact I'd bet something of no value to me that Cleese was a huge Wodehouse fan... something of no value to me not because I don't feel strongly about the Cleese/Wodehouse connection but because I'm a lousy gambler.
It's a story about a cow-creamer, police hats, the formation and break-ups and reformations of marriages, and the enjoyment of a good brandy.
I l. until I c., inside my head that is.
My first Wodehouse. It will not be my last.
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possibility of drugs or the lack thereof. I do laugh inside my head pretty loudly and with this book the inside of my head was roaring. My brain was in tears.Bertram Wooster and Jeeves are able to solve every problem that comes their way and problems come their way non-stop. I couldn't help but think of Fawlty Towers and Basil Fawlty. I'm pretty sure John Cleese must have read a bunch of Wodehouse. In fact I'd bet something of no value to me that Cleese was a huge Wodehouse fan... something of no value to me not because I don't feel strongly about the Cleese/Wodehouse connection but because I'm a lousy gambler.
It's a story about a cow-creamer, police hats, the formation and break-ups and reformations of marriages, and the enjoyment of a good brandy.
I l. until I c., inside my head that is.
My first Wodehouse. It will not be my last.
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LibraryThing member ashishg
Book is quick and fun read, but perhaps because I've gone on binge reading of PG Wodehouse (this is 4th), I didn't laugh out loud as often as I did with earlier books even though this is supposed to be most funny book from him. Nevertheless not bad at all and in fact pretty decent read.
LibraryThing member billiecat
Like Austen, Wodehouse is at his best writing on the small ivory of an English village and the manor, but of course, his characters are vastly different from Austen's, and I doubt old Jane would relish the comparison. This book, set at Totleigh Towers, is one of his best, with the frightful
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Madeline Basset, Gussie Fink-Nottle - the newt-addicted dunderhead, and the hideous Spode. What the MacGuffin is that sets the plot in motion is irrelevant (it's a cow creamer, if you must know), but all the usual set-pieces are here - Bertie becoming engaged without wanting to, dreadful country hospitality, and lots of cocktails. A good way to while away an afternoon. Show Less
LibraryThing member libraryclerk
First time to read Wodehouse and really enjoyed the comedy. Jeeves was great and Bertie getting himself caught in the various schemes were funny.
LibraryThing member ianw
A classic. Perhaps the best thing Wodehouse ever wrote. Bertie, Jeeves, Aunt Dahlia, Madeline Basset, Pop Basset and Roderick Spode all together at Totleigh Towers. An irresistible mix of baffled clubmen, dippy blondes, light fingered aunts, tetchy ex-magistrates and would-be dictators.
Childe
Childe
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Roland to the dark tower came, sir. Show Less
LibraryThing member Alliebadger
This book was SO fun. I love the TV series with Fry and Laurie, and I didn't realize until I had started that this is the novel of my favorite episode, Jeeves Saves the Cow Creamer. For the uninitiated, it is fun and lighthearted and everyone can chuckle along. I personally can't help reading it in
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my head with an English accent. It's a fast read yet very intelligent, which is a hard combination to pull off. I look forward to more Wodehouse in my future! Show Less
LibraryThing member raizel
Part of group of Jeeves and Wooster stories about Gussie Fink-Nottle and Madeline Bassett and their friends and relatives. A silver cow creamer wanted by the husband of Bertie's Aunt Dahlia, a fascist who loves Madeline and has a guilty secret, a clumsy curate figure in this. Jeeves of course saves
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the day and there are lots of literary references retold in Bertie's inimitable style, and it's funny, and --- if only the world were as innocent as this one, where you can laugh at a fascist leader. Show Less
LibraryThing member losloper
Wodehouse's most famous creations, likeable nitwit Bertie Wooster and his effortlesly superior valet and protector Jeeves, reach a kind of apotheosis in The Code of the Woosters, in which Bertie is rescued from his bumbling escapades again and again by the ever-nonplussed gentleman's gentleman
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Jeeves. Show Less
LibraryThing member mpemulis
Very funny. Even though the plot is predictable the writing is so good that you don't care.
LibraryThing member dtn620
This is a delightful romp of a book. I am pretty sure the best word to describe this book is fun. The plot constantly twists and turns always to the disadvantage of Bertrand who relies on his man Jeeves to help turn the tables. Wodehouse wrote something like 96 books which leaves me with only 94
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more to read. I can't wait for the next Jeeves adventure. Show Less
LibraryThing member hailelib
For those who have seen the Laurie/Fry series this book is the story of the cow creamer. Following the usual pattern, several of Bertie's friends and relations ask him for help in their affairs. Being the easy going chap that he is, Bertie is willing to help up to a point but the situation becomes
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more and more complicated until only Jeeves can find a solution. This was great fun and a nice change of pace. The Code of the Woosters was also the first Wodehouse that I have read although my husband has read a lot of his novels and stories. I will certainly try another of them at some point. Show Less
LibraryThing member Smiley
Simple, predictable...and laugh out loud funny. Very enjoyable read and impossible to be downcast while reading Wodehouse.
A steady reading diet of Wodehouse, I imagine, would be like working through five pounds of boxed chocolates. Wonderful in the beginning but sick making by the second tier.
A steady reading diet of Wodehouse, I imagine, would be like working through five pounds of boxed chocolates. Wonderful in the beginning but sick making by the second tier.
LibraryThing member PhilSyphe
Another classic comedy by P. G. Wodehouse.
As expected, Bertie Wooster is drawn into mishaps and mayhem by friends and an aunt. Luckily, Jeeves is around to suggest ways out of one amusing (for the reader) scrape after another.
Of the entertaining cast of characters, Madeline Basset is my favourite.
A rather good read, dash it.
As expected, Bertie Wooster is drawn into mishaps and mayhem by friends and an aunt. Luckily, Jeeves is around to suggest ways out of one amusing (for the reader) scrape after another.
Of the entertaining cast of characters, Madeline Basset is my favourite.
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She doesn’t feature as much in this novel as when she first enters the Jeeves saga, but her infrequent appearances are nevertheless among the story’s highlights.A rather good read, dash it.
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LibraryThing member LARA335
I needed jollying up, and this was just the ticket, in the company of buoyant Bertie Wooster. He has a wonderful, original turn of phrase, gets into ridiculous scrapes, and you know Jeeves will come to the aid of the party.
I don't ever remember watching Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry as these
If you enjoy inventive similes, this will raise your spirits.
I don't ever remember watching Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry as these
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characters, but absolutely visualised them as I read. Subsequently googled them, and think Laurie is absolutely spot on (and a very youthful Fry, if he could be aged a few years).If you enjoy inventive similes, this will raise your spirits.
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LibraryThing member addunn3
Jeeves and Wooster are busy tracking down an antique creamer, making sure the right people get married. Excellent plot, great writing!
LibraryThing member tgraettinger
Wodehouse doing Wodehouse - classic!
LibraryThing member jennannej
Always fun and kooky, reading about Wooster and Jeeves.
LibraryThing member leslie.98
2020 reread via full cast audiobook (Martin Jarvis as Jeeves) streamed from LATW website. This (possibly slightly abridged) edition isn't quite as good as the Jonathan Cecil narration but it was still a extremely funny book. A great way to spend a morning :)
LibraryThing member librarymeanslove
one of the best Wooster books. Some of the best quotes too.
LibraryThing member leslie.98
Very good narration in this audiobook. This is one of the best Jeeves and Wooster novels!
LibraryThing member themulhern
Like all the others, but maybe even a bit funnier.
Subjects
Awards
Language
Original publication date
1938
Physical description
256 p.; 7.8 inches
ISBN
014118597X / 9780141185972