Overdue Ep 727 - My Man Jeeves, by P.G. Wodehouse
Nov 3, 2025
Explore why the name 'Jeeves' became synonymous with an exceptional butler. Delve into P.G. Wodehouse's life and the origins of his most beloved characters. Uncover how the comic plots mirror sitcom structures, filled with chaotic misunderstandings and humorous resolutions. Discover the clever schemes of Bertie Wooster and his genius butler. The discussion even touches on how Jeeves' cultural impact reached the realms of search engines! Join for laughs and insights into the timeless charm of these classic tales.
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Origin Of The Jeeves Archetype
- P.G. Wodehouse created the cultural shorthand of 'Jeeves' as the ideal valet by writing these stories.
- The Jeeves character originated in 1915 and evolved across stories and novels into a lasting archetype.
Wodehouse's Long, Wandering Life
- Wodehouse lived 1881–1975 and moved between England, Europe, and the U.S., shaping his perspective across eras.
- He experienced controversy in WWII over broadcasts made while interned, which harmed his reputation in Britain.
Sources Behind Jeeves
- Jeeves was partly inspired by a cricketer named Percy Jeeves and by the Holmes-Watson dynamic.
- The stories first appeared in magazines like The Strand and the Saturday Evening Post starting in 1915.
