Carry On Jeeves (1925) is the short collection of "Jeeves and Wooster" stories containing "Jeeves Takes Charge." It is a good introduction to the dozens of misadventures of the young dolt and his butler.

Wodehouse also wrote several novels about Jeeves and Wooster. One of the best is Code of the Woosters. Like "Jeeves Takes Charge," the characters all chase after a ridiculous object, in this case a cow creamer.

The works of the great British author Charles Dickens were a huge influence on Wodehouse. Dickens wrote several masterful novels concerning life in England during the 19th century. One of the best is Oliver Twist (first serialized 1837- 39). It is the story of an orphan taken in by a gang of pickpockets on the streets of London.

A completely different take on England's upper class can be found in Evelyn Waugh's...