The Man Upstairs

[DonH]

- and other stories".
Just when I thought I'd listed all of PG's books of short stories, I
came across this old Penguin edition (1958), in my archives.
First published by Methuen in 1914, it contains 19 stories, mostly set
in either America or France, and like most of the earlier tales of
Wodehouse, is more in the normal style of the short story, rather than in
his full-humorist mode.
Characters are created as the story demands, but all tales display an
insight into human feelings and motives which proved useful later.
If PGW had stuck to this format he may have been popular, but not as
famous as he became when opting for his completely funny style.
But, even here, his penchant for the happy ending was evident, so even
when we think that "Ruth in exile" is going to end tragically, a quick plot
twist saves the day.
The nearest tale to tragedy is the last - "In Alcala" - and we can
wonder how autobiographical this was. But probably only drawn from a real
life case.

[DonH]

Post by DonH
- and other stories".
Just when I thought I'd listed all of PG's books of short stories, I
came across this old Penguin edition (1958), in my archives.
First published by Methuen in 1914, it contains 19 stories, mostly set
in either America or France, and like most of the earlier tales of
Wodehouse, is more in the normal style of the short story, rather than in
his full-humorist mode.
Characters are created as the story demands, but all tales display an
insight into human feelings and motives which proved useful later.
If PGW had stuck to this format he may have been popular, but not as
famous as he became when opting for his completely funny style.
But, even here, his penchant for the happy ending was evident, so even
when we think that "Ruth in exile" is going to end tragically, a quick
plot twist saves the day.
The nearest tale to tragedy is the last - "In Alcala" - and we can
wonder how autobiographical this was. But probably only drawn from a real
life case.

# As I now read this book, taking tales at random, there are two which hint
at things to come, both being in entirely humorous vein:
"Ahead of Schedule", a romantic tale, involving Rollo, and his
manservant, Wilson.
"Sir Agravaine", a Tale of King Arthur's Round Table (sub-title).
Both thoroughly recommended.

[s***@gmail.com]

Post by DonH
- and other stories".
    Just when I thought I'd listed all of PG's books of short stories, I
came across this old Penguin edition (1958), in my archives.
    First published by Methuen in 1914, it contains 19 stories, mostly set
in either America or France, and like most of the earlier tales of
Wodehouse, is more in the normal style of the short story, rather than in
his full-humorist mode.
    Characters are created as the story demands, but all tales display an
insight into human feelings and motives which proved useful later.
    If PGW had stuck to this format he may have been popular, but not as
famous as he became when opting for his completely funny style.
    But, even here, his penchant for the happy ending was evident, so even
when we think that "Ruth in exile" is going to end tragically, a quick plot
twist saves the day.
    The nearest tale to tragedy is the last - "In Alcala" - and we can
wonder how autobiographical this was.  But probably only drawn from a real
life case.

The stories in ''The man upstairs'' in many ways for Wodehouse are
unusual, Free from usual cliche, they approach seriousness often
unseen in his other works. People have remarked that ''In Alcala''
could be autobiographical.

Swordfish