P.G.Wodehouse – “Jeeves and the British Empire”

A talk by Dr Sean Lang

What ho! How the creator of Jeeves and Bertie Wooster helped bring down the bally British Empire.

This is a historian’s take on PG Wodehouse – a significantly different approach from the usual literary scholar’s way of reading him. Historians often underestimate the importance of light comedy, both as a source and as a factor in causing events in the past. PG Wodehouse’s creations – Jeeves and Bertie Wooster; Lord Emsworth and his pig; the members of the Drones Club and their formidable aunts – exist in an idyllic world which seems miles away from the harsh reality of the times when they were created. But what makes people laugh is a good clue to what they are thinking and Wodehouse’s humour also reflected the outlook and beliefs of his readers – including about the British Empire.

All talks are free to members, or £3 for guests / non-members, payable on the door.