[.ca] The Prince and Betty (ISBN 1421833980)

Earlier/Alternate Version of "Psmith Journalist":
A previous reviewer has mentioned that the hero of this book, named Smith, seems so much like the more famous Wodehouse character, Psmith. The reason is that they are the same character with a few minor changes, most importantly Smith is American. This has to do with the publication history of this book. In 1910, Wodehouse published a novel called "Psmith Journalist" werialized in the American magazine continuing the adventures of Psmith and Mike from "Psmith in the City" as they grapple with lots of American gangsters, boxers, slumlords, etc. This novel was published in book form as "Psmith Journalist" in 1915. In the meantime, he published 2 different (US & UK) revised versions under the title "Prince and Betty" -- one with and one without an additional love story. The version here appears to be the US version. I have read and enjoyed "Psmith Journalist," and while ,it is the weakest of his Psmith books I definately recomend it as a must for any Wodehouse fan. I haven't yet read "Prince and Betty" but am looking forward to it to see the differences between it and Psmith Journalist. Also, Jimmy Pitt the hero of the excellent Wodehouse book, "Gentleman of Leisure" makes an appearance in Prince and Betty