The Diary of a Nobody (Penguin Classics)

Description

“The Diary of a Nobody” is a comic novel written by George Grossmith and his brother Weedon Grossmith. Originally serialized in the magazine “Punch” from 1888 to 1889, the novel was later published in book form in 1892. It is considered a classic of English literature and is known for its humorous portrayal of middle-class life in late Victorian England.

The novel is presented in the form of a diary written by Charles Pooter, a lower-middle-class clerk living in the London suburb of Holloway. The diary entries chronicle the everyday events of Pooter’s life, revealing his aspirations for social advancement and the often comic misadventures that befall him. The humor in the novel arises from the stark contrast between Pooter’s self-importance and the triviality of his concerns.

“The Diary of a Nobody” is celebrated for its satire of Victorian social mores, its keen observations on class and societal expectations, and its ability to find humor in the mundane. The character of Charles Pooter has become a memorable figure in English literature, and the novel is regarded as a classic example of comedic fiction from the late 19th century.