P. G. Wodehouse: A Life in Letters

Reviews

"Weaving biographical information around skillfully edited and annotated letters from 1899 to 1975, Ratcliffe creates a portrait of Wodehouse as a tireless worker, devoted family man, and loyal friend…Ever droll and witty, the letters burst with insights about the craft of writing, appraisals of his surroundings, and negotiating the vicissitudes of life ('One good result of the [air]-raid is that two dinner engagements which we had have been cancelled!'). The book is an excellent introduction to Wodehouse’s life." — Publishers Weekly

"Starred review. Although they don’t reveal him at his stylish, polished best, these letters by P.G. Wodehouse (1881–1975) are casual, funny and revealing asides from a prolific and successful career…Editor Ratcliffe's generous annotations and judicious edits give scope to a rich, brilliant, happy, oblivious life." — Kirkus Reviews

"These letters…throw off sparks of [Wodehouse’s] sui generis brilliance at almost every line, while at the same time providing a rare glimpse of the gentle, self-deprecating soul behind the books. One of my favorite letter collections in years." — Donna Tartt, New York Times Book Review

"[Wodehouse] was a wonderfully amiable correspondent, chatty and gossipy and direct." — Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post