> What's your favorite Wodehouse book? I mean novels, not the collections and omnibuses of his millions upon millions of short stories (I still haven't decided whether Wodehouse or Ray Bradbury wrote more shorts). Mine is 'Laughing Gas', which probably only six people in the world read (including my mother, myself, and Mr. Wodehouse). My sister thinks I'm crazy for not liking a Jeeves book best, but what are you going to do? ;^)
>
> Qua "Oh by gee by gum by gosh by jove" rtz

I'm going to have to join you in the padded cell and cast my vote for "Uncle Fred in the Springtime". All of Plum's Lord Ickenham stuff is brilliant, but for my money the first one is the best of the bunch. Uncle Fred rendering Rupert Baxter a spent force through the judicious use of blackmail is priceless, as is the constant stream of fatheaded pronouncements from Lord Bosham.

Of course, "Laughing Gas" is great too, especially since it's one of Plum's few outings to contain a fantasy element. Good ripe stuff, particularly the incomprehensible footman and the chauffeur who corners our hero and starts reciting "Gunga Din" at him.

You and Brunnen-G ought to see if you can get your hands on some of Jack Vance's offerings. Unfortunately it's dashed difficult to find any of his work these days, but for someone who appreciates Plum's mastery of the English language it's well worth the search. I'd recommend "Cugel's Saga" as the optimal starting point for a Wodehouse fan, but "Araminta Station" is also great and might be a bit easier to find.

Were "The bird in the flesh, by jingo! Well, I'm dashed!" wolf