Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster are an antidote to the absurdities of the 21st century. ( )

The omnibus collection of all Jeeves short stories (well, see below) is confectionery of the highest order. Truly gutbustingly funny English wit, told from the wonderful perspective of Bertie Wooster. Wodehouse was a comic genius.

Three caveats:

1. Like all confectionery, one should not attempt to swallow too much at once. As Wodehouse himself cautions in his preface, these stories should be savoured individually. They're too light and fluffy to be stimulating when taking many at once.

2. This compilation combines all the Jeeves short stories in the canon. This means you don't need to buy "The Inimitable Jeeves", "Carry On, Jeeves" or "Very Good, Jeeves", as they are short story collections. However, it does not contain "The Man With Two Left Feet" (mentioned in Wodehouse's prelude). This is technically the first appearance of Jeeves, although the appearance is minimal and doesn't really tie in with the overall comic voice of this series.

3. My only issue with the Arrow printing is that the back of the book nowhere states that this is the complete short stories. Listing it as "specially selected and introduced by Wodehouse himself" suggests more of a "Greatest hits" package, which is rather deceptive to readers who are likely to get confused and re-purchase collections contained herein! ( )

One of the best Jeeves and Wooster collection of stories, which all tie in together. ( )

Never having read any Wodehouse, this was an excellent introduction to Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves, not to mention the various recurring friends and relations who pop up throughout. I found myself chuckling aloud several times in the course of the 34 stories in this compilation. It is best to read one story, maybe two, at a time; otherwise, they bleed into each other too much and the formula risks becoming too repetitive. But the stories are perfect when you need to lighten things up with some well-written humor, to read a little something fun before bedtime or to ease into a lazy weekend/holiday day. A really entertaining, enjoyable relief from the usual hectic pace. ( )