P. G Wodehouse

The moon beamed down genially on the turrets and battlements of Blandings Castle. Sleep, however, eluded Clarence, ninth Earl of Emsworth. He was faced with the unpleasant prospect of playing host to his brother, sister and his niece.

This is a collection of stories featuring familiar Wodehouse characters including Jeeves and Wooster, Ukridge and his fearsome Aunt Julia, Bingo Little and his wife, romantic novelist Rosie M. Banks, among others. In between stories, their creator explores some of the more extraordinary items in the American news of his day.

Things on board the R.M.S. Atlantic are terribly complicated as a succession of upper-class twits attempt to untangle their romantic longings whilst maintaining the essential social station to which they are accustomed.

Clarence, ninth Earl of Emsworth has good health, a large income and a first-class ancestral home. But these blessings count for nothing in the presence of Sir Gregory Parsloe, whom Emsworth suspects of having evil designs on his pre-eminent pig.

Take Gussie Fink-Nottle, the soupy Madeleine Bassett, Old Pop Bassett, the unscrupulous Stiffy Byng, the Rev. H (Stinker Pinker, an 18th century cow-creamer, a small notebook and mix with Aunt Dahlia. It all spells trouble for Bertie and Jeeves.