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Shop nowThe Diary of a Nobody
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Learn moreSays Charles Pooter, “I fail to see—because I do not happen to be a ‘somebody’—why my diary should not be interesting.” Surprisingly, Mr. Pooter’s life is fascinating. The fascination is two-fold: firstly, his astounding arrogance that we should care about his domestic trivia and narcissistic scribblings. Secondly, we can all sympathize with (and wince at!) this ridiculous slave to convention.
Above all, Mr. Pooter’s life is funny. His constant battles with tradesmen, his pathetic pride and banal wit, his clashes with his carefree son, his absurd social crises and petty dilemmas: all are part of Mr. Pooter’s life as a worried, proud, and anxious Nobody! Listeners are certain to learn why Hilaire Belloc asserted that Pooter was “an immortal achievement.”
George Grossmith (1847–1912) and Weedon Grossmith (1852–1919), were brothers whose father was a friend of Henry Irving (whose theater was managed by Bram Stoker), Ellen Terry and her family, and other theatrical people. Both pursued successful theatrical careers. In 1888 The Diary of a Nobody began to appear in Punch, with text by both brothers and illustrations by Weedon. Its popularity with a wide range of readership was immediate, and has not faltered.
George Grossmith (1847–1912) and Weedon Grossmith (1852–1919), were brothers whose father was a friend of Henry Irving (whose theater was managed by Bram Stoker), Ellen Terry and her family, and other theatrical people. Both pursued successful theatrical careers. In 1888 The Diary of a Nobody began to appear in Punch, with text by both brothers and illustrations by Weedon. Its popularity with a wide range of readership was immediate, and has not faltered.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.
Reviews
“The great thing about Pooter is that he is still lovable in all his self-important absurdity. He always tries to make the best of everything, and although he is a figure of fun, his celebration of a life that leaves little mark upon the world is gently moving.”
“[A] masterpiece of comic irony…Frederick Davidson’s impeccable reading is truly inspired, in perfect unity with the Pooteresque view of the world.”
“One of the funniest books ever written.”
“The idea that this man is one of themselves, but that readers can see what he does not, whilst still feeling benevolently sympathetic towards him—that they are, in some way, superior to their neighbor—provides the most enduring ground for the Diary’s popularity.”
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