The Gold Bat and Other School Stories

These are good stories, and they give an idea of how Wodehouse became popular. He was quite young himself when he wrote them, and they give the right sense of importance which young men would still give to school houses, games, popularity, etc. Flashes of his great humor and invention appear here and there. It is worth reading if you love Wodehouse. But for others, it may not be the best choice. There are descriptions of the games and such which will lose most of us. There are some decidedly out-dated expressions and attitudes. And the stories are seldom as witty or delightful as more mature work the author produced later. The collection is probably more like 3.5 stars for fans. Don't give it to those you want snared by Wodehouse, though, or you may lose them forever. P.S. I think J.K. Rolling probably owes his estate a few royalty checks!