The Story Behind AskJeeves.com: The Universe of P.G Wodehouse

There are very few authors in history whose names have become synonymous with the iconic characters their works have produced. For instance, Arthur Conan Doyle is synonymous with Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie with Hercule Poirot, and J.K. Rowling with Harry Potter. These authors have created characters that transcend their stories, becoming cultural icons. Their names evoke images of their famous protagonists, illustrating the enduring impact of their creations. All these authors and their characters have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, shaping the way we perceive and engage with their fictional worlds. Similar to all these iconic characters etched in the public memory is P.G Wodehouse’s legendary character Jeeves.This exchange is to an extent where if you look up P.G Wodehouse on any search engine, the results carry ‘creator of Jeeves’ along with his name in parenthesis. Although Jeeves is not a Victorian protagonist in the traditional sense of the word, he is by all means the character that is the most memorable of all.

Reginald Jeeves, usually referred to as just Jeeves, is the highly competent valet of a wealthy and idle young Londoner, Bertie Wooster. First appearing in print in 1915, Jeeves has become synonymous with the quintessential name and nature of a personal valet or man servant, inspiring many similar characters, as well as the name of the Internet search engine Ask Jeeves, now called Ask.com. Jeeves is a character of remarkable wit, intelligence, and impeccable manners. Throughout Wodehouse’s works, particularly in the ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ series, Jeeves stands as the epitome of the English gentleman’s gentleman.

Physically, Jeeves is often described as tall, slim, and possessing a distinguished countenance. His demeanor exudes an aura of calm authority and unflappable composure, regardless of the chaos that ensues around him. His attire is always impeccably tailored, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail. Jeeves’s true genius, however, lies in his intellectual prowess and resourcefulness. He is a master strategist, capable of devising ingenious solutions to the most intricate of problems. Whether it’s extricating his employer, Bertie Wooster, from a social predicament or resolving a romantic entanglement, Jeeves approaches each challenge with unparalleled finesse and discretion.

Despite his unassuming demeanour, Jeeves possesses a dry sense of humour, often delivering his wit with subtle understatement. His vast knowledge on a wide range of subjects, from literature to fashion, adds depth to his character and earns him the admiration of both Bertie and readers alike. Jeeves’s relationship with Bertie Wooster is central to Wodehouse’s narrative. While Bertie may be the nominal master, it is Jeeves who subtly guides and influences him, often steering him away from potential disasters with gentle persuasion and astute advice.

The first book of the series, My Man Jeeves is a collection of eight short stories, half of them featuring Jeeves and Wooster, the others feature Reggie Pepper, one of Wodehouse’s lesser known (and less funny) protagonists. In any event, none of the stories fail to raise a smile or the odd chuckles. The reader doesn’t expect to split my sides reading a Wodehouse book, his humour is not in the style of Douglas Adams or Monty Python, though he may have been an inspiration for both of them. It is enough that his stories are ‘extremely diverting’, uplifting, and it is wonderful just to soak up the language. It has been said — by some literary Johnnies — that Wodehouse did not simply write but orchestrated the English language

The second book of the series The Inimitable Jeeves is another enjoyable and funny Jeeves and Wooster story. This edition has some crackling 1920s characters among them such as Claude and Eustace who get into all sorts of trouble pulling Bertie into their sphere too. Bertie’s old school chum and lifelong friend, Richard P. ‘Bingo’ Little features heavily with good supporting parts from Bingo’s uncle Lord Bittlesham, and Bertie’s nemesis, his aunt Agatha. There are some very funny episodes around betting which leads to scrapes, scams, and of course a need for Jeeves to come to our hero’s rescue. The betting on the village fete’s races and the length of the nearby vicars’ sermons is simply brilliant.

The third book of the series Carry On Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse continues to follow the humorous escapades of Bertie Wooster and Jeeves. Set in the early 20th century, each chapter presents a new predicament for Bertie, usually involving misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, or social faux pas. Jeeves, with his unmatched wit and wisdom, consistently comes to the rescue, employing his ingenious schemes to solve Bertie’s dilemmas. The novel showcases Wodehouse’s signature style, characterised by sparkling dialogue, clever plot twists, and eccentric characters. Through Bertie and Jeeves’ misadventures, Wodehouse offers a delightful satire of English upper-class society, filled with whimsical humour and timeless charm. Carry On, Jeeves is a comedic masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with it light-hearted storytelling.

P.G. Wodehouse’s facetiousness stands as a timeless testament to the enduring appeal of clever humour in literature. His mastery of language and sharp wit have captivated readers for generations, reminding us of the importance of wit in storytelling. In a world often fraught with seriousness, the jocularity of writers like Wodehouse provides much-needed levity and entertainment, offering readers a delightful escape into the absurdity and wit of their creations.

The writer is our Editorial Assistant and an oral historian.