P.G. Wodehouse

P. G. Wodehouse (1881–1975) occupies a unique position in English literature: a writer whose work feels almost untouched by time. His fiction presents a stylised, almost dreamlike version of England—filled with country houses, idle aristocrats, and elaborate social predicaments—deliberately insulated from the harsher realities of the modern world.

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Wodehouse’s output—over 90 books, plus plays, lyrics, and hundreds of short stories—creates a vast collecting field.

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The War Years — Critical Context

The most controversial and historically significant episode in Wodehouse’s life occurred during World War II.

 

In 1940, while living in France, Wodehouse was captured by German forces following the fall of France. He was interned in civilian camps for roughly a year. After his release, he was taken to Berlin, where he made a series of radio broadcasts intended for American audiences.

These broadcasts were light, humorous accounts of his internment experience. Wodehouse intended them as comic reflections—consistent with his lifelong tone. However, they were transmitted via German radio, which led to serious backlash in Britain.

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During wartime, any communication from Berlin was viewed with suspicion or hostility. Critics believed Wodehouse had been naïve at best, or had inadvertently assisted enemy propaganda. Public figures (including some politicians and commentators) strongly criticised him.

There was no evidence of deliberate collaboration with Nazi Germany.

Later investigations (including by British authorities) did not result in prosecution.

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The consequences were significant:- Wodehouse effectively left England permanently, settling in the United States. For a period, his reputation in Britain was damaged. However, over time, literary opinion softened. By the later part of his life, he was widely celebrated again.

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His main works included:

Jeeves & Wooster Series

Featuring Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, this is Wodehouse’s defining achievement.

Key titles:

• Carry On, Jeeves (1925)

• The Inimitable Jeeves (1923)

• Very Good, Jeeves! (1930)

• Right Ho, Jeeves (1934)

• The Code of the Woosters (1938)

• Joy in the Morning (1946)

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Blandings Castle Series

Set at Blandings Castle and centred on Lord Emsworth and his prize pig. Key titles:

• Something Fresh (1915)

• Leave It to Psmith (1923)

• Summer Lightning (1929)

• Heavy Weather (1933)

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Psmith Series

Featuring the suave and witty Psmith. Key titles:

• Mike (1909)

• Psmith in the City (1910)

• Psmith, Journalist (1915)

• Leave It to Psmith (also part of Blandings)

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Other Notable Works

• Uncle Fred series

• Mr. Mulliner stories

• The Drones Club stories

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A number of works his works were also adapted for film and television.​