The terror of the Brown family is back, leaving a trail of havoc behind him - with the very best of intentions. (More William book jacket)
Lovers of British family sitcoms are either already William fans, or are likely to become avid followers of the dogged and imaginative child and his not always patient family.
Richmal Crompton's William series of books tells the relationship between adults and children from a child's perspective hilariously highlighting the different viewpoints. Most of us have been William (e.g. children who cannot understand the strange and arbitrary or contradictory rules the adult world imposes) or have dealt with a William (never sure whether he is the little boy pointing out the emperor's lack of clothes or a nuisance defending his crimes with infuriating (il)logic. Although the world of middle class homes with cooks and gardeners has long vanished generations of adults and children alike laugh at William's explotis, and often sympathise with either the hero or his long-suffering family.
Somehow Crompton's William is so real, though somewhat larger than life, that he reduces the other characters to bit-players, and her female leads seem restricted to mere supporting roles. Despite (or perhaps because of) this her stories are enjoyed by girls as much as boys.
More William is the second book in the series and was published in 1922. It contains fourteen hilarious family comedies.
By : Richmal Crompton (1890 - 1969)
|
Like most of the William books it has no continuous narrative, but consists of separate independent short-stories. The stories are as follows:
A Busy Day
William is given a book entitled Things a Boy Can Do and annoys his entire household by trying to carry out its instructions.
Rice-Mould (The first ever story,c.1919)
In order to impress the little girl next door, William attempts to steal cream blancmange from the household kitchen.
William's Burglar
William befriends a mysterious stranger who claims to be a war veteran, but who is quite obviously a criminal.
The Knight at Arms
A Quixote-esque tale in which "Sir William" and his faithful "squire" Ginger set out to rescue a "damsel in distress".
William's Hobby
William takes up taxidermy as a hobby.
The Rivals
William has a rival for the affections of Joan.
The Ghost
William arranges a "psychic experience" for his cousin Mildred.
The May King
William is chosen as attendant to the May Queen in a school pageant, but he has bigger ambitions.
The Revenge
William takes revenge on his family by pretending to run away from home.
The Helper
William "helps" the removal men when his family moves house.
William and the Smuggler
Mr. Brown goes to the seaside for a "rest cure" but unfortunately has to endure William's company.
The Reform of William
William is inspired to lead a better life, but decides not to start just yet!
William and the Ancient Souls
A grown-up friend of William has his life made unendurable by a new neighbour.
William's Christmas Eve
William and Joan deliver a Christmas feast to a poor family.
Comments
Post a Comment