WIGZ Book Club
Contents
Book choice for May 2010
The Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith
ISBN-10: 1853262013
ISBN-13: 978-1853262012
Synopsis
The Diary of a Nobody, an English comic novel written by George Grossmith and
his brother Weedon Grossmith with illustrations by Weedon, first appeared in the
magazine Punch in 1888 – 89, and was printed in book form in 1892. It is
considered a classic work of humour.
The diary is that of Mr. Charles Pooter, a city clerk of lower middle-class
status but significant social aspirations, living in Upper Holloway. Other
characters include his wife Carrie (Caroline), his son Lupin, his friends Mr
Cummings and Mr Gowing, and Lupin's unsuitable fiancée, Daisy Mutlar. The humour
derives from Pooter's unconscious gaffes and self-importance, as well as the
snubs he receives from those he considers socially inferior, such as tradesmen.
The book has spawned the word "Pooterish" to describe a tendency to take oneself
excessively seriously.
About the Authors
George Grossmith (9 December 1847 – 1 March 1912) was an English comedian, writer, composer, actor, and singer. His performing career spanned more than four decades. As a writer and composer, he created 18 comic operas, nearly 100 musical sketches, some 600 songs and piano pieces, three books and both serious and comic pieces for newspapers and magazines.
Walter Weedon Grossmith (9 June 1854 – 14 June 1919), better known as Weedon Grossmith, was an English writer, painter, actor and playwright, best known as co-author of Diary of a Nobody (1892) with his famous brother, music hall comedian and Gilbert and Sullivan star, George Grossmith. Weedon Grossmith also illustrated the book to much acclaim.
