The series—simply entitled Pelham Grenville Wodehouse—was intended to be a trilogy. Volume 1, “This is jolly old Fame,” was published in 2019. It was followed by Volume 2, “Mid-Season Form,” in 2020, and finally by Volume 3, “The Happiness of the World,” in 2022. But Paul couldn’t let it go there. Churning around at the back of his always-busy brain was the thought that he hadn’t yet taken a close look at all the other writers, both predecessors and peers, who had influenced Wodehouse’s writing in one way or another.
He has rectified that omission with Plum’s Literary Heroes, a thoroughly enjoyable look at those early influencers. The book is divided into two parts—“Wodehouse Among His Books” and “Being a Writer”—in which Paul provides thoughtful insight into the authors who played major roles in PGW’s development as a writer and humorist par excellence.
Plum’s Literary Heroes is available in paperback for £14.99 directly from the publisher, TSB, via their website dedicated to works by Paul Kent, The What Ho! Club. While you’re there, be sure to check out his other publications. For those in the U.S., you can order the book for $19.95 from Indie Pubs. Paul’s works are also available through other online retailers such as Amazon, where it is listed for $19.95.
Thank you, Paul, for your ongoing contributions to Wodehouse scholarship!
I also reviewed this briefly in the Autumn 2025 Plum Lines — and commented that “I was delighted when I was informed that … another of Paul Kent’s works was imminent.” I concluded with the recommendation that you should have this on your Wodehouse shelf, that Paul’s approach is but unique and refreshing and very Wodehousean, with plenty of humor along the way. No dry academia here! This gets my vote!