The Luck of the Bodkins.

London: Herbert Jenkins Limited,, 1935. First edition, first impression. This copy was issued in wartime in 1940, the same year that German forces captured and imprisoned the author. Despite those dark days, humour, Wodehouse thought, was still to be had. He continued to write novels during his internment while his publisher issued unsold copies of his previous works at a reduced price (here 5s. rather than the original 7s. 6d.) One contemporary reviewer wrote of the "uproarious and continuous fun which Mr Wodehouse contrives to cause in this most rollicking of his novels. Mr Wodehouse has never before given us anything so complicated, so absurd, and so delicious" (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 15 October 1935). This later-issue jacket advertises further works by Wodehouse, terminating in Quick Service (1940); examples in the first issue instead list 12 mystery titles by Arthur Gask. A variant binding of orange cloth is also recorded, without priority. Octavo. Original red cloth, spine and front cover lettered in black, publisher's device on rear cover in black. With later issue dust jacket. Publisher's 8-page adverts for Wodehouse at end. Ownership inscription on front free endpaper, "J.M.S.B. 22.7.40". Spine slightly darkened, a couple of tiny spots of wear and marks, foxing to edges and outer leaves; bright jacket rubbed with a few small tears, light soiling, unclipped: a very good copy in like jacket. Jasen, p. 54; McIlvaine A54a.