diary of a nobody book review

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Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith [Review]

In an age where just about anyone attracting a modicum of ‘celebrity status’ feels compelled to tell the world about their life history, it’s a delight to come across a novel which parodies such pretensions. The Diary of a Nobody was written with the deliberate intent of mocking the diaries and memoirs that proliferated in the late 1880s. George Grossmith, an actor, and his artist brother Wheedon took the view that the British reading public had surely had enough of diaries written by people who were ‘Somebodies’ and it was high time attention was given to the ‘nobodies’ of this world. As Charles Pooter (the central character) puts it

Why should I not publish my diary? I have often seen reminiscences of people I have never even heard of, and I fail to see – because I do not happen to be a ’Somebody’ – why my diary should not be interesting. My only regret is that I did not commence it when I was a youth.

In Charles Pooter we have a man who tries so hard to be a respectable member of the middle class but is foiled every time because of his inexhaustible ability to make a mess of a situation. So successful was this characterisation that it gave birth to two new adjectives: Pooterish and Pooteresque, both indicating a person who takes themselves far too seriously, believing their importance or influence is far greater than it really is.

The Diary of a Nobody records the daily events in the lives of this London clerk, his wife Carrie and their feckless son Willie (who insists on being called Lupin). When the Diary begins Charles and Carrie have just moved into a six-roomed house in the Holloway district of London. The new residence is meant to signify that the Pooters are on their way up the social ladder. Charles in fact has a keen sense of his own importance and sees this move as his entry into a more refined social circle. Over the course of 15 months he records the many small pleasures, modest social occasions and acquaintances that make up his life.

The summary of the day’s entry for April 19 gives a good flavour of the Diary:

A conversation with Mr Merton on Society. Mr and Mrs James of Sutton come up. A miserable evening at the Tank Theatre. Experiments with enamel paint. I make another good joke; but Gowing and Cummings [two close friends] are unnecessarily offended. I paint the bath red, with unexpected results.

A year later Pooter is complaining about another social occasion which did not go according to plan:

Trouble with a stylographic pen. We go to a Volunteer Ball where I am let in for an expensive supper. Grossly insulted by a cabman. An odd invitation to Southend.

The Diary is a litany of mishaps and misadventures. Every time Charles gets an opportunity he thinks will enable him to shine, he makes some kind of mistake which proves socially embarrassing. He manages to tear his trousers and smear coal dust over his shirt just before going out to the Lord Mayor’s party, then in his eagerness to show he can waltz he slips bringing both he and his wife to the floor.

He fares no better at home, constantly falling over the boot scraper outside the front door and getting stitched up by tradespeople who over-charge or fail to deliver the promised goods. An episode in which he turns his hand to some home decor was probably my favourite. Enamoured with the red enamel paint he hears about at work he gets rather carried away, painting flower pots, wash-stands and chests of drawers. Then its the turn of the coal-scuttle and the bath to get the red paint treatment. Even though readers will guess what the outcome is, his discomfiture in the bath that night is still one of those laugh aloud moments:

… imagine my horror on discovering my hand, as I thought, full of blood. My first thought was that I had ruptured an artery, and was bleeding to death and should be discovered later on looking like a second Marat, as I remember seeing him in Madame Tussaud’s. My second thought was to ring the bell but I remembered there was no bell to ring. My third was, that there was nothing but the enamel paint, which had dissolved with boiling water. I stepped out of the bath, pefectly red all over resembling the Red Indians I have seen depicted at an East End theatre.

In amongst the humour and the humdrum details of every day life, there are times when we see Charles Pooter in a way that evokes our sympathy. Despite his social aspirations this is a man who genuinely loves his family and is deeply concerned when his son loses his job and starts running around with an undesirable bunch of people. His sense of honour and integrity is severely put to the test by his so-called friends who regularly mock him while taking advantage of his hospitality.

Though more than 100 years old, it’s surprising how contemporary some of the pre-occupations of this novel feel. Don’t most parents even today worry their children are going off course and want to step in with a bit of course correction? Haven’t we all felt the frustrations when goods get delivered late or the order is incomplete? And I bet some of you at least will have been bamboozled by technical jargon when confronted by IT engineers or motor mechanics (or is that hust me?). Isn’t there a touch of Mr Pooter in all of us?

About the Book : Initially Charles Pooter’s exploits saw the light of day in a serial which appeared periodically in Punch magazine between 1888 and 89. It wasn’t published in book form until 1892. The book had a lukewarm reception from the reading public and critics – The Athenaeum declared that “the book has no merit to compensate for its hopeless vulgarity, not even that of being amusing”. But by the time of the third issue in 1910 it was recognised as a classic work of humour – J B Priestley described it as “true humour…with its mixture of absurdity, irony and affection” while Evelyn Waugh considered it “the funniest book in the world”.

About the authors : The Diary of a Nobody is the sole output of the brothers George and Weedon Grossmith. Both were stage entertainers – George often played the comic figure in Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Weedon was also an artist and it was his work that illustrated early copies of the text.

Why I read this book: I included this in my Classics Club list because of the extrordinary literary influence it has exerted through the decades. Sue Townshend’s Diary of Adrian Mole and Bridget Jones’ Diary are just two of the works that owe a debt to the Wheedon brothers, emulating their tone and format to huge commercial success. Without The Diary of a Nobody I wonder whether we would have ever seen the spoof diaries in Private Eye that parody the Prime Minister of the day (including the unforgettable St Albion Parish News from ‘Tony Blair’ and the current St. Theresa’s Independent State Grammar School for Girls (and Boys) from Theresa May.

Diary comic novel,

Thanks for sharing

Snapshot May 2017
From slaps to battles in #6degrees

What do you need to know about me? 1. I'm from Wales which is one of the countries in the UK and must never be confused with England. 2. My life has always revolved around the written and spoken word. I worked as a journalist for nine years then in international corporate communications 3. My tastes in books are eclectic. I love realism and hate science fiction and science fantasy. 4. I am trying to broaden my reading horizons geographically by reading more books in translation

23 thoughts on “ Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith [Review] ”

I was really impressed when I read this. It’s terribly compassionate, which far from diminishing the humour means that you end up (or I did anyway) both laughing at Mr Pooter yet rooting for him. It’s rare to find a satire that utterly lacks malice yet remains funny.

By the end I was rather cheering his small successes. Lovely to see a review of it as it is quite deservedly a classic.

I developed quite an affection for Mr Pooter. His son disparages him but the man is only trying to look out for the boy’s interest and expressing a fatherly concern for the way he seems to be going astray.

I saw this at the book festival and was so close to buying it. Now I read over your review again, I’m so annoyed with myself. Too much restraint!

All is not lost – you can get an e-reader version for free from the Gutenburg site

I’m glad you read and enjoyed this. I think it’s due for a re-read over here!

I suspect its one that can be read several times without losing its edge.

I read this back in my early 20s – ie decades ago! – and loved it. I love that sorry of humour, the targeting of pretensions in a way that, as you say, you also feel for the characters as well. It’s a book is always intended to re-read and one day in sure I will. I think it was my mother who put me onto it. She put out me on to do many great classics.

All hail to your mum for being such a wonderful guiding light

She was (is) great, thanks Karen – and we’ve always shared a love of reading and words.

How funny that it was originally dismissed as only vulgar, not funny. Oops. This sounds like a perfect serial read, and the tone reminds me of The Diary of a Provincial Lady – also funny (never vulgar)!

I remember this well, even though I read it quite a while ago. So funny and so relevant even today! Perhaps even more so, with all those vacuous celebrity autobiographies at the age of 25.

The world really does not need another ghost written autobiography from someone who most of us will have forgotten about in a few years time (if we ever knew about them in the first place). Cynical? What me?

And they all have really boring lives too…

I’ve had this on my piles for ages and totally forgot about it. It’s sounds wonderful. I wonder what the author would think of how things are today. Good to know that the reader can sympathise with Pooter.

I’d forgotten about it too Caroline – only remembered it when the Classics Club did one of their ‘spins’ and I had to look at my club list again….

I loved this book. As you mention the reader ends up sympathising with Pooter somewhat. I was disappointed to find it was the only book by the Grossmiths.

I was sorry to find that my free copy from Gutenburg didnt have the illustrations so I went out and bought a new edition just to see them. They’re just as good as the text

I read this absolutely ages ago but remember finding it very funny. So many of the truly great books never age and are always relevant!

Have you met any modern day Pooters? I worked with one for several years….

This sounds very enjoyable. It’s good to know where ‘Pooterish’ comes from! I’ll see if I can find a secondhand copy sometime.

You can download a copy for free from Gutenburg

You know what’s funny is much of the descriptions of Pooter trying to make it in society reminded me so much of Mrs. Van Hopper from the novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (or the Hitchcock film!). She’s always making up bits of connections to people who are actually famous to see if she can spin a web, suck the person in, and then be able to confidently dub them a friend when she goes to a new location.

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BOOK REVIEW: THE DIARY OF A NOBODY by George and Weedon Grossmith

Diary of a Nobody is one of those books I’d heard off but never read. Until now … read my book review to find out if it is still funny 150 years on.

Whilst on a Cultural jaunt with friends and the Junior CW’s we stumbled across Word on the Water , a second hand book barge moored up on the banks of the Regents Canal at the back of Kings Cross. None of us can resist a book and so we all piled on board to see what treasures we could unearth. The Diary of a Nobody caught my eye.

Word on the Water book barge Regents Canal London

Charles Pooter is a clerk and has been for twenty years. He works for Perkupps in the City of London and has just moved into a new house in Holloway. The perfect time to start keeping a diary. His reasoning being that he has often seen reminiscences of people of whom he has never heard simply because they are a ‘Somebody’ and doesn’t see why his should be any less interesting despite being a ‘Nobody’.

Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grosssmith Book Review of a British comedy classic. #BookReview #Classic #Comedy #BooksToReadNow

We meet Mrs Carrie Pooter and their troublesome son Lupin. Mr Gowing, keen tricyclist lives nearby. Whilst the James family live in rural Sutton. Much of the humour revolves round Mr Pooter’s sense of his own importance and the frequent puncturing of that importance by upstart tradesmen, domestic staff and his own son. George Grossmith provided the words and his brother Weedon the pen and ink illustrations that pepper the novel. Had Mr Pooter been a twenty-first century suburban commuter he would undoubtly have been a blogger in search of a book deal.

The Diary of a Nobody is a quick and an amusing read. Should you engage in a daily commute it would provide a pleasant diversion from your fellow travellers.

THE DIARY OF A NOBODY by George and Weedon Grosssmith
Paperback £6.99

Every week I select a book of the week which can be found in my Wednesday Wishes for a round up of my best recent reads check out my books of the year and summer reads posts.

You may also enjoy:

What to see at the open house london festival 2024, tempting guide to the best london museum shops, visiting the bank of england museum, 10 free things to do in london with teens.

Ooh I saw that bookshop mentioned on Twitter recently, it looks so cool! Sounds like you bought a good book too.

I too found the Diary amusing – and you’re quite right, definitely an embryo blog in there.

Arthur Lowe is the perfect Charles Pooter, in his audio version of the ‘Diary of a Nobody’.

This is humorous but ought to be read along with the Ragged trouserd philanthropist ,set something like 20 years later the contrast in lifestyles of the main characters in both books is immense.

Both are excellent books

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The Literary Edit

Review: The Diary of a Nobody – George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith

Almost a year ago now, my cousin’s cousin Athel, with whom I spend Christmas in Yorkshire, asked if I would be interesting in joining a book club he was setting up. Soon after, the Beaufort Mansions Book Club was born, launching with Alone in Berlin, before moving onto Great Expectations and then most recently The Diary of a Nobody by brothers George and Weedon Grossmith. Given that it dawned on me two days before our rendevouz that I was yet to even begin the novel, I was rather relieved to discover it was only a couple of hundred pages long, and an incredibly quick read.

Originally serialised in Punch Magazine in the late 19th century, The Diary of a Nobody is an account of clerical worker Mr Pooter, a man of no importance nor interest, his wife Carrie, and their son Lupin. Pretentious and pompous, yet endearing none-the-less, Pooter’s diary is a series of amusing, middle-class anecdotes centred around his family and friends and his never-ending quest to keep up appearances.

The characterisation within the tale is brilliant, and the cast of characters help develop Pooter as a narrator, from his son Willie who changes his name to Lupin believing his real name to be too common, his long-suffering wife Carrie, and his two friends Gowing and Cummins.

Despite having been written in the late nineteenth century, The Diary of a Nobody remains a relevant read over a century after its first publication. Charming, witty and uplifting the novel is a perfect example of how the banalities of everyday life can be weaved into something quite special.

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Diary of a nobody, by george grossmith, weedon grossmith.

First serialized in Punch, the book that followed has not been out of print since 1892. Mr Pooter’s diary sets the standard for suburban middle class snobbery.

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Review of ‘the diary of a nobody’ by george and weedon grossmith.

This is the book which kicked off the ‘funny diary’ genre (or that’s what I call it anyway). First serialised in Punch magazine and then published with more material, including illustrations, in 1892, this classic is still very amusing more than a century later. It’s also slim enough to be read in one day.

The writer of the diary is Charles Pooter, a clerk in the City, who has just moved into a new rented house with his wife Carrie, a servant called Sarah, and occasionally the Pooters’ son, Lupin.

Charles Pooter’s life is a neverending string of social dramas: arguments, humiliations, engagements, DIY disasters, financial turbulence, fashion nightmares. He also displays the preoccupation with class and what is or isn’t the done thing. He is middle class, as evidenced by his occupation, six-bedroom house, employing only one servant and the cooking mostly done by his wife. He doesn’t aspire to be one of the ‘swells’ (posh people) and thinks the working class music hall scene (which his son is involved with) disrespectable. The comedy, however, comes from the way Charles expresses himself. He laughs at his own jokes, thinks he is always being hard done by and that the tradespeople are out to get him. Everyone tends to take advantage of him though, as he is quite nice really. Carrie is also a nice character, if a little exasperated at her husband’s quirks.

Weedon Grossmith’s illustrations really bring the characters to life. Charles literally has a long face, reflecting his dissatisfaction with life in general. My favourite of the pictures shows him in the bath, looking in horror at his hands, thinking they are covered in blood but it’s actually the red enamel paint (which he has been painting everything with) coming off the bath.

This edition published by Wordsworth Classics in 2006 with introduction and notes by Professor Michael Irwin.

9 thoughts on “Review of ‘The Diary of a Nobody’ by George and Weedon Grossmith”

Sounds like a fun book to read, NS! 🙂

I enjoy it every time I read it 🙂

This sounds like a hilarious and fun book to read. I’ve read one “diary journal” type of fiction/non-fiction and I think one’s enjoyment is based solely on how well they enjoy the protagonist’s narration. Thanks for sharing this great review! 😀

It’s stood the test of time, because it’s still funny 🙂 I do like fictional diaries, but you’re right it depends on the narrator as it’s so personal. Thanks for reading!

Sounds great! I’ve added this to my list.

I hope you like it 🙂 it’s an easy read for a classic.

Sounds even better now 🙂

Great review! I’ve read this one a few years ago and loved it. 🙂 I found myself laughing, it’s still as funny today as it was back then.

I’m glad you loved it! Still funny now, I agree.

"The Diary of a Nobody" Summary

By George Grossmith

classics | Published in 2022

Estimated read time: 6 min read

One Sentence Summary

The amusing and relatable account of the everyday life and self-importance of Charles Pooter, an ordinary middle-class man.

Introduction, brief synopsis, main characters, summary of story points, chapter 1-3: the diary begins and social hopes, chapter 4-6: the prank of the "holloway comedians", chapter 7-8: lupin's romantic troubles, chapter 9-11: lupin's irresponsible behavior, main events, themes and insights, reader's takeaway.

"The Diary of a Nobody" is a comedic novel written by brothers George and Weedon Grossmith, originally published in 1892. This satirical work presents the daily life and misadventures of Charles Pooter, a middle-aged City of London clerk, through his journal entries. Filled with a delightful blend of dry humor and social commentary, this novel offers a unique perspective on the struggles and follies of ordinary people in late Victorian society.

Set in the late 19th century, "The Diary of a Nobody" takes place in the suburbs of London, primarily in the fictional locale of Holloway. The story revolves around Charles Pooter, a lower-middle-class clerk, and his family, including his wife Carrie and their son Lupin.

Charles, the narrator and protagonist, begins keeping a diary to record the daily occurrences and mundane life events that ensue. While the entries start with a focus on the small details and domestic concerns, such as the behavior of their servants, the escapades of their friends, and Charles' aspirations for social recognition, the diary gradually reveals Charles Pooter's self-importance and the hilarity that ensues as his grand plans unravel.

Charles Pooter introduces himself as the diarist and explains his reasons for starting the journal.
He expresses his social aspirations and desire for recognition in the upper-middle-class society.
Charles recounts amusing incidents involving his neighbors, such as Mr. Hutchings planting onions in his front garden.
The Pooter family attends the annual Mansion House Ball, where Charles is disappointed by the lack of social recognition he receives.
Charles becomes obsessed with a silver inkstand and attempts to purchase it to enhance his social status.
Charles receives a series of prank letters from the "Holloway Comedians," causing him confusion and frustration.
He suspects his friends, Gowing and Cummings, to be behind the prank and confronts them.
Charles and his wife Carrie visit a Dutch exhibition, but their outing is marred by various comical mishaps.
Lupin reveals he is engaged to Daisy Mutlar, a young woman with a questionable reputation.
Charles and Carrie disapprove of the engagement, leading to tension within the family.
Carrie attempts to intervene and dissolve the engagement, only to face resistance from her son.
Lupin loses his job at a bank due to his irresponsible behavior, causing further strain in the Pooter family.
Charles receives a disappointing letter rejecting his entry to an artistic society.
Charles and Carrie's hopes of hosting a garden party are dashed when their invitation is declined by a distinguished guest.
Charles Pooter's aspiring social rise and disappointment at the Mansion House Ball.
The arrival of prank letters from the "Holloway Comedians" and the consequent suspicion of his friends Gowing and Cummings.
Charles and Carrie's visit to the Dutch exhibition and the ensuing comedic mishaps.
Lupin's engagement to Daisy Mutlar and the resulting tension within the family.
Lupin's loss of employment and the rejection of Charles' artistic society application.
The failure of the Pooter's garden party due to a declined invitation.
Social Aspirations and Disillusionment: Charles Pooter's longing for social recognition highlights the desire of ordinary individuals to elevate their status but ultimately exposes the absurdity of such ambitions.
Domestic Comedy and Satire: The novel employs humor to satirize the small details and misunderstandings of everyday life, providing insightful commentary on the human condition.
Familial Relationships and Conflict: Through the interactions between Charles, Carrie, and Lupin, the story explores the tensions and strains that can arise within a family, often stemming from divergent aspirations and beliefs.
Identity and Self-Importance: Charles Pooter's exaggerated sense of self-importance serves as a comic device while inviting readers to reflect on their own preoccupations with status and external validation.

"The Diary of a Nobody" offers readers a refreshing and humorous perspective on the triumphs and pitfalls of everyday life. Through Charles Pooter's journal entries, the novel presents a relatable journey of a man striving to be noticed and respected in society, while shedding light on the folly and absurdity of our own aspirations. The satirical elements and comical situations provide an enjoyable read that both entertains and invites reflection on the nature of human existence.

"The Diary of a Nobody" remains a beloved classic, cherished for its wit, humor, and keen observation of Victorian suburban life. It serves as a timeless reminder that even the most ordinary aspects of our lives can be a source of laughter and insight. The universal themes explored in this novel ensure its enduring relevance and continued popularity among readers of all generations.

The Diary of a Nobody FAQ

What is 'the diary of a nobody' about.

'The Diary of a Nobody' is a humorous novel written by George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith. It is a fictional diary of Charles Pooter, a middle-class clerk who lives in London in the late 19th century. The book satirizes the life and manners of the Victorian era, focusing on Pooter's trivial daily events and his comical attempts to climb the social ladder.

Who are the authors of 'The Diary of a Nobody'?

George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith are the authors of 'The Diary of a Nobody.' George Grossmith was a famous English comedian, writer, and singer, while his brother Weedon was an illustrator and humorist.

Is 'The Diary of a Nobody' based on a true story?

No, 'The Diary of a Nobody' is a work of fiction. Although it is written in the form of a diary and portrays a middle-class life in Victorian London, the story and characters are entirely fictional.

When was 'The Diary of a Nobody' first published?

'The Diary of a Nobody' was first published in book form in 1892. However, it was initially serialized in a magazine called Punch from 1888 to 1889.

Is 'The Diary of a Nobody' considered a classic?

Yes, 'The Diary of a Nobody' is widely regarded as a classic piece of English literature. It has been praised for its entertaining portrayal of Victorian society and its enduring humor.

What makes 'The Diary of a Nobody' humorous?

The humor in 'The Diary of a Nobody' derives from the contrast between Charles Pooter's self-importance and the triviality of his daily life. The exaggerated seriousness with which he recounts his mundane experiences and his attempts to appear important and gain social status provide comedic moments throughout the book.

Can 'The Diary of a Nobody' be enjoyed by readers today?

Yes, 'The Diary of a Nobody' is still widely enjoyed by readers today. Despite being over a century old, its humor and satirical commentary on human nature and social aspirations continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Is 'The Diary of a Nobody' suitable for all ages?

'The Diary of a Nobody' is generally considered suitable for readers of all ages. However, younger readers may not fully appreciate the social commentary and humor, as it is set in a specific historical context.

Are there any adaptations of 'The Diary of a Nobody'?

Yes, 'The Diary of a Nobody' has been adapted for stage, radio, and television over the years. There have also been comic strip adaptations and audiobook versions of the novel.

Is 'The Diary of a Nobody' a long book?

No, 'The Diary of a Nobody' is relatively short compared to many novels. It consists of 15 chapters, with a total page count of around 200-250 pages, depending on the edition.

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Diary of a Nobody

46 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 4

Chapters 5-9

Chapters 10-14

Chapters 15-19

Chapters 20-24

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

The Diary of a Nobody by brothers George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith is a classic British humorous novel that chronicles the life and misadventures of Charles Pooter , a lower-middle-class clerk with social aspirations that often lead to comic misfortunes. First published in serial form from 1888 to 1889 in Punch magazine, the novel is a satirical look at middle-class pretensions and frustrations in late Victorian England, presented through Pooter’s diary entries. The entries are filled with his trivial domestic and social incidents, showcasing the authors’ sharp wit and keen observation of human behavior. The book appeared as a single volume in 1892 with illustrations by Weedon Grossmith and additional text. It has been adapted for both stage and film.

This study guide uses the Project Gutenberg e-book version of the book.

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Plot Summary

Charles Pooter, a clerk in London’s financial district, declares his interest in writing a diary. He believes it will be interesting even though he isn’t a “Somebody.” The diary begins as Pooter states that he and his wife, Carrie, have recently moved to a new rented home in London with their servant, Sarah. His old friend, Gowing , and neighbor, Cummings , often drop by, and he is proud that his son Willie is getting along in his job at a bank. Pooter describes visits from various tradesmen, with whom he is usually at odds, and from Gowing and Cummings. Cummings, the local curate, and the butcher all fall over or hurt themselves on the paint scraper, so Pooter hires the ironmonger, Farmerson, to move it.

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Pooter is anxious to stay in the good graces of his employer, Mr. Perkupp, and disparages the young clerks at the office who are never on time. One clerk, Pitt, is particularly disrespectful to him. When Pooter argues with the grocer’s boy and is subsequently late to work, Pitt makes a rude comment, and the other clerks laugh at Pooter.

He has no better luck with his friends, Cummings and Gowing, who take a walk with Pooter and a friend and lie about where they are from to gain early entry into a pub. Pooter is too honest to lie and fumes outside the pub until the others are done. Cummings subsequently criticizes Pooter’s behavior in a letter, to which Pooter sends a carefully worded reply. Mollified, Cummings offers Pooter a deal on expensive whiskey his cousin sells. Pooter declines, only to have Sarah appear with a bottle of cheap whiskey that Pooter has just ordered.

Cummings’s cousin, Merton, gets Pooter to buy the whiskey after all and offers to get Pooter theater passes. However, after the Pooters have taken an old friend of Carrie’s, Mrs. James, and her husband to the theater, the tickets are no good and Mr. James must purchase new ones. To relieve his feelings, Pooter buys red paint and uses it to paint everything from the flowerpots to the bathtub. When he fills the tub with hot water, it turns the water and his skin blood red.

The Pooters are surprised to receive an invitation to meet representatives of trade and commerce at the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress’ mansion. At the Mayor’s mansion, Pooter sees Farmerson. When he expresses his surprise, Farmerson says, “If you, why not me?” (37-38). Carrie criticizes him the next day for being friendly with Farmerson and drinking too much champagne. A newspaper omits their name from an account of the ball, and Pooter writes them two letters, leading to two printed corrections—each of which misspells their name.

As the couple prepares for their annual seaside holiday, their son, Willie, moves back into the house and announces that he now goes by his middle name, Lupin. Lupin tries to hide that he has been fired from his bank job, but the truth eventually comes out. As Pooter expresses his ambition to get Lupin a job with Mr. Perkupp’s firm, the three family members go on holiday to Broadstairs. While visiting a nearby resort, they find Gowing and Mr. and Mrs. Cummings. Gowing misbehaves in several ways: asking Lupin why he isn’t at work, playing an expensive game of billiards with Lupin, and suggesting a silly parlor game that ends with the guests on the floor.

Back in London, a mystery surrounds the disappearance of six weeks of Pooter’s diary entries; nobody will admit to tearing out the pages, though the charwoman, chimney sweep, and Sarah are all suspects. Lupin finds a new job at a stockbroker firm and announces that he has joined an amateur dramatic club, the Holloway Comedians, and is engaged to a woman named Daisy Mutlar.

Lupin befriends Daisy’s brother, Frank, another drama club member. He visits the Pooters and does comic imitations late into the night. Daisy is overweight and about eight years older than Lupin. Carrie’s party to celebrate the engagement is a mixed success. The young people enjoy themselves, but when Mr. Perkupp arrives, nothing is left for him to eat or drink.

Lupin reveals that he has broken off his engagement to Daisy. Gowing, Cummings, Lupin, and one of his drama club friends, Mr. Burwin-Fosselton, drop by one night and stay for supper. The friend monopolizes the conversation and bores everyone, imitating stage actor Henry Irving. He returns the next two nights and does the same imitation. Finally, Pooter tells him he and Carrie will be out the next night, which leads to a rude exchange of letters with Burwin-Fosselton about the superiority of acting as a vocation over work in the City.

Pooter is distressed that Carrie and Lupin, still living with them, take no interest in his diary. They laugh when he says they might find it interesting or even make money from selling it one day. Christmas is coming; Pooter and Carrie spend it pleasantly at Carrie’s mother’s home in the country, but Lupin spends it with the Mutlars after announcing that the engagement with Daisy is back on.

Lupin brings Daisy to dinner with Gowing and Cummings, which devolves into a food fight with balled-up pieces of bread. Lupin has been complaining about how cheap Daisy’s father is, and he is banished from the Mutlar household.

In the new year, Pooter receives a promotion and raise. Lupin has been investing in the stock market; he gives Pooter a tip that results in a loss of money. Gowing invites Cummings and the Pooters to dinner but is out of town when they arrive. Daisy’s brother, Frank, drops by with a friend named Morray Posh, whose family sells three-shilling hats. Lupin’s company goes under, and his boss disappears. To make matters worse, he receives a letter that Daisy is now engaged to Murray Posh.

To Pooter’s joy, Mr. Perkupp offers Lupin a job at the firm. Gowing invites the Pooters to a ball, where Pooter discovers that he must pay for the lavish food and drink he has consumed too late. He cannot even pay for his cab afterward, and the Pooters must walk home in the rain. Invited to visit an old schoolfellow of Pooter’s, Teddy Finsworth, Pooter finds the Finsworth dog licking his boots’ blacking. They next dine at the home of Pooter’s friend Franching to meet American journalist Hardfur Huttle. Huttle dominates the dinner conversation and subtly insults the guests, including Pooter.

Lupin suggests that one of Mr. Perkupp’s clients, Mr. Crowbillon, try another firm instead and is fired. Crowbillon, however, sends Lupin a commission and then hires him at an extravagant salary. The Pooters dine with Mr. and Mrs. James, whose son kicks Pooter in the shins and slaps Carrie in the face. When Pooter tells Carrie he doesn’t care for Mrs. James, she replies that she puts up with his friends—the vulgar Gowing and the boring Cummings—and says that at least Mrs. James is intelligent. Pooter allows Mrs. James to visit and conduct séances with Carrie and becomes interested in the phenomenon. However, the séances end after the spirit they are supposedly summoning answers a question with a nonsensical reply.

Lupin moves to a new apartment and spends much time with the newly married Murray and Daisy Posh. He holds a dinner for his parents, the Poshes, and Murray’s sister, Lillie, whom Pooter finds irritating. Back at home near midnight, Pooter finds a cab waiting to take him to see Hardfur Huttle. Huttle surprises him by recommending a wealthy friend to Mr. Perkupp’s firm. When the man takes his business to the firm, Mr. Perkupp says he will buy Pooter’s house and present it to him as a thank you for his honesty and hard work. As Pooter celebrates with Carrie, Gowing, and Cummings, he receives a letter from Lupin saying he is now engaged to Lillie Posh.

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Review: 'The Diary of a Nobody' by George and Weedon Grossmith

Weedon Grossmith's 1892 book presents the details of English suburban life through the anxious and accident-prone character of Charles Porter. Porter's diary chronicles his daily routine, which includes small parties, minor embarrassments, home improvements, and his relationship with a troublesome son. The small minded but essentially decent suburban world he inhabits is both hilarious and painfully familiar.

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The Diary of a Nobody (1919 edition)

The Diary of a Nobody, by George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith; 1919 4th edition; J.W. Arrowsmith, Bristol.

This fictitious diary details fifteen months in the life of Mr. Charles Pooter, a middle aged city clerk of lower middle-class status but significant social aspirations, living in the fictional 'Brickfield Terrace' in London. The diary was written by George Grossmith and his brother Weedon Grossmith who also contributed the illustrations. It first appeared in Punch magazine through the years 1888 – 89, and was first printed in book form in 1892. Due to much of the humour deriving from Mr. Pooter's comical tendency toward self-importance, the book has spawned the word "Pooterish" to describe the taking of oneself excessively seriously.

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Oct 28, 2011

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Diary of a Nobody (Wordsworth Classics) Paperback – Illustrated, December 4, 1999

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Print length 176 pages
Language English
Publisher Wordsworth Editions
Publication date December 4, 1999
Dimensions 4.9 x 0.5 x 7.7 inches
ISBN-10 1853262013
ISBN-13 978-1853262012
Lexile measure 1010L
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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wordsworth Editions; Classic Edition (December 4, 1999)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1853262013
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1853262012
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1010L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.9 x 0.5 x 7.7 inches
#822 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction
#945 in Humorous Fiction
#3,094 in Classic Literature & Fiction

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Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith [Review]
The Diary of a Nobody was written with the deliberate intent of mocking the diaries and memoirs that proliferated in the late 1880s. George Grossmith, an actor, and his artist brother Wheedon took the view that the British reading public had surely had enough of diaries written by people who were 'Somebodies' and it was high time attention ...
BOOK REVIEW: THE DIARY OF A NOBODY by George and Weedon Grossmith
The Diary of a Nobody is a quick and an amusing read. Should you engage in a daily commute it would provide a pleasant diversion from your fellow travellers. THE DIARY OF A NOBODY by George and Weedon Grosssmith. Paperback £6.99. Disclosure: Contains affiliate links, if you click on the link and buy a book I get some money.
Review: The Diary of a Nobody
Originally serialised in Punch Magazine in the late 19th century, The Diary of a Nobody is an account of clerical worker Mr Pooter, a man of no importance nor interest, his wife Carrie, and their son Lupin. Pretentious and pompous, yet endearing none-the-less, Pooter's diary is a series of amusing, middle-class anecdotes centred around his ...
The Diary of a Nobody
The Diary of a Nobody is an 1892 English comic novel written by the brothers George and Weedon Grossmith, with illustrations by the latter.It originated as an intermittent serial in Punch magazine in 1888-89 and first appeared in book form, with extended text and added illustrations, in 1892. The Diary records the daily events in the lives of a London clerk, Charles Pooter, his wife Carrie ...
Diary of a Nobody
Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith, Weedon Grossmith. First serialized in Punch, the book that followed has not been out of print since 1892. Mr Pooter's diary sets the standard for suburban middle class snobbery.
Review of 'The Diary of a Nobody' by George and Weedon Grossmith
This is the book which kicked off the 'funny diary' genre (or that's what I call it anyway). First serialised in Punch magazine and then published with more material, including illustrations, in 1892, this classic is still very amusing more than a century later. It's also slim enough to be read in one day.
The Diary of a Nobody Summary
Introduction. "The Diary of a Nobody" is a comedic novel written by brothers George and Weedon Grossmith, originally published in 1892. This satirical work presents the daily life and misadventures of Charles Pooter, a middle-aged City of London clerk, through his journal entries. Filled with a delightful blend of dry humor and social ...
The Diary of a Nobody
The Diary of a Nobody George and Weedon Grossmith The diary is that of a man who acknowledges that he is not a "Somebody" - Charles Pooter of 'The Laurels', Brickfield Terrace, Holloway, a clerk in the city of London - and it chronicles in hilarious detail the everyday life of the lower middle class during the Great Victorian age.
Diary of a Nobody Summary and Study Guide
The Diary of a Nobody by brothers George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith is a classic British humorous novel that chronicles the life and misadventures of Charles Pooter, a lower-middle-class clerk with social aspirations that often lead to comic misfortunes.First published in serial form from 1888 to 1889 in Punch magazine, the novel is a satirical look at middle-class pretensions and ...
The Diary of a Nobody
This "jewel at the heart of English comic literature" chronicles the daily fortunes and misfortunes of a middle-age, middle-class clerk (William Trevor, The Mail on Sunday). Since its original publication in 1892, The Diary of a Nobody has become a much-loved classic. It is a fictional man's dissection of the everyday drama of his life as an office worker in a London firm.
Review: 'The Diary of a Nobody' by George and Weedon Grossmith
Weedon Grossmith's 1892 book presents the details of English suburban life through the anxious and accident-prone character of Charles Porter. Porter's diary chronicles his daily routine, which includes small parties, minor embarrassments, home improvements, and his relationship with a troublesome son.
The Diary of a Nobody
Summary. 'The funniest book in the world' Evelyn Waugh. Mr Charles Pooter is a respectable man. He has just moved into a very desirable home in Holloway with his dear wife Carrie, from where he commutes to his job of valued clerk at a reputable bank in the City. Unfortunately neither his dear friends Mr Cummings and Mr Gowing, nor the ...
The Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith (Book Review
Time for a book review! This was a bit of a random pick, I simply wanted to read something short but this ended up being a delightful everyday life read whic...
The Diary of a Nobody (1919 edition)
The Diary of a Nobody, by George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith; 1919 4th edition; J.W. Arrowsmith, Bristol. ... the illustrations. It first appeared in Punch magazine through the years 1888 - 89, and was first printed in book form in 1892. Due to much of the humour deriving from Mr. Pooter's comical tendency toward self-importance, the book ...
Amazon.co.uk:Customer reviews: The Diary of a Nobody
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for The Diary of a Nobody at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users.
The Diary of a Nobody
With an Introduction and Notes by Michael Irwin, Professor of English Literature, University of Kent at Canterbury. The Diary of a Nobody is so unassuming a work that even its author, George Grossmith, seemed unaware that he had produced a masterpiece. For more than a century this wonderfully comic portrayal of suburban life and values has remained in print, a source of delight to generations ...
#BookReview 'The Diary of a Nobody' by George & Weedon Grossmith #
An escape from the modern world, The Diary of a Nobody by George & Weedon Grossmith may have been published in the 1890s but it still made me chuckle out loud. Especially the parent-child irritations and misunderstandings. First published in Punch magazine, it is written by the brothers with illustrations by Weedon. Mr Charles Pooter is a clerk at a prestigious London bank where he has been ...
The Diary of a Nobody
Channelling a razor-sharp satire through the everyday mishaps of the immortal comic character Mr Pooter, George and Weedon Grossmith's The Diary of a Nobody is edited with an introduction and notes by Ed Glinert in Penguin Classics. Mr Pooter is a man of modest ambitions, content with his ordinary life. Yet he always seems to be troubled by disagreeable tradesmen, impertinent young office ...
Diary of a Nobody (Wordsworth Classics)
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews. Select to learn more. Readability Humor. ... Tolstoy, and Solzhenitsyn. So what a delight it was to change things up and read George and Weedon Grossmith's The Diary of a Nobody. This is a fun book, and Weedon's illustrations add just the right touch to the text. I can imagine reading this one ...
'The Impossible Man' Review: When Life Just Doesn't Add Up
The Nobel Prize-winning British physicist Roger Penrose certainly fits the template. Even so, Patchen Barss's absorbing biography, "The Impossible Man," is not a voyeuristic freak show. Mr ...