Reflecting on the life and milestones of acclaimed author P.G. Wodehouse, half a century after his passing
In the heart of England, on a chilly Valentine's Day 50 years ago, the world lost a literary giant. P.G. Wodehouse, the renowned author of the Jeeves and Bertie Wooster series, passed away at the age of 93.
Wodehouse was admired by some of the greatest writers of his time, including Bernard Levin, Rudyard Kipling, and Evelyn Waugh. Kipling considered Wodehouse's short story, Lord Emsworth and the Girl Friend, as 'one of the most perfect short stories'. Evelyn Waugh, on the other hand, regarded Wodehouse as a 'Master' who could produce 'uniquely brilliant and entirely original similes' to every page. Levin described Wodehouse as 'one of the finest and purest writers of English prose'.
However, Wodehouse's journey was not without its challenges. He was denounced as a traitor and a Nazi, and his works were banned by libraries and the BBC. This was due to his stay in a German internment camp during World War II, following France's capture by the Germans. Despite the hardships, Wodehouse gave well-received talks to his fellow internees, using his wit and humour to lift spirits.
Born in Guildford, Surrey, Wodehouse's parents lived in Hong Kong. It was his friend Townend who suggested the idea for Wodehouse's best short story, Uncle Fred Flits By. Wodehouse initially made his name in musical theatre, being involved with some 50 dramatic works. He later moved to Le Touquet in 1934 to avoid double taxation, and it was here that he wrote many of his most beloved novels.
Wodehouse was a prolific creator of unique phrases, contributing to English humor and prose with his vivid use of language. While there is no precise count of how many phrases he invented or first recorded, his distinctive style and slang have left an indelible mark on English literature. The Oxford English Dictionary cites Wodehouse as the inventor or first recorded user of several phrases, including 'down to earth' and 'pain in the neck'.
Despite his success, Wodehouse often resorted to adapting or buying other's plots for his novels and short stories. He would write detailed structures for his novels, often amounting to one-third of the finished work. In 1975, Wodehouse was given a knighthood in the New Year's Honours, but he was too frail to attend the ceremony.
Tragically, Wodehouse died of a heart attack on 14th February, 1975, while in hospital for a skin disorder. His death marked the end of an era in English literature, leaving behind a rich legacy of humour, wit, and linguistic creativity.
References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapax_legomenon [2] https://www.britannica.com/biography/P-G-Wodehouse
Books filled with Wodehouse's humor and distinct prose offer a unique blend of entertainment and literacy, showcasing the author's ability to create vivid and memorable characters. Despite his tendency to adapt or buy plots for his novels and short stories, Wodehouse left an indelible mark on English literature, contributing numerous phrases to English humor and prose.
