The Diary of a Nobody

Name: The Diary of a Nobody
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George and Weedon Grossmith

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The Diary of a Nobody, an English comic novel written by George Grossmith and his brother Weedon Grossmith with illustrations by Weedon, first appeared in the magazine Punch in 1888 – 89, and was first printed in book form in 1892. It is considered a classic work of humour and has never been out of print. The diary is the fictitious record of fifteen months in the life of Mr. Charles Pooter, a middle aged city clerk of lower middle-class status but significant social aspirations, living in the fictional 'Brickfield Terrace' in Upper Holloway which was then a typical suburb of the impecuniously respectable kind. Other characters include his wife Carrie (Caroline), his son Lupin, his friends Mr Cummings and Mr Gowing, and Lupin's unsuitable fiancée, Daisy Mutlar. The humour derives from Pooter's unconscious gaffes and self-importance, as well as the snubs he receives from those he considers socially inferior, such as tradesmen. In The Diary of a Nobody the Grossmiths create an accurate if amusing record of the manners, customs and experiences of the Londoners of the late Victorian era. The book has spawned the word "Pooterish" to describe a tendency to take oneself excessively seriously. Pooter is mentioned in John Betjeman's poem about Wembley.

Chapter 24

11-21 10:50

Introduction by Mr. Pooter

Why should I not publish my diary? I have often seen reminiscencesof people I have never even heard of, and I fail to see - because I do nothappen to be a 'Somebody' - why my diary should not be interesting. Myonly regret is that I did not commence it when I was a youth.

　　Charles Pooter The Laurels, Brickfield Terrace Holloway.