In Richmal Crompton’s lifetime, besides her William books, she also published 10 volumes of short stories for the adult market, and 40 novels. Following years of research, including her own account book, David Schutte discovered another 125 short stories published in magazines in the 1920s and 1930s which had never previously been collected in book form. He has published 25 of these in The House in the Wood (2022), and 27 in The Apple Blossom Lady (2023).(see below)
But, starting with Punch in 1920, Richmal Crompton also wrote over 250 humorous sketches (averaging around 720 words each) for The Humorist, London Opinion and The Passing Show. Her first published short story collection published in 1926, Kathleen and I (and, of course, Veronica), features 52 of these pieces, with 7 more written to complete the book. Another 34 were included in the 42 sketches that make up Enter – Patricia published in 1927.
David’s research has so far unearthed another 159 pieces that have never been reprinted, and he has now presented the majority in a new volume for Miss Crompton’s legion of fans to enjoy. Crompton tells each tale from a male point of view and so has great fun revealing the failings of these storytellers, as well as the mysteries and idiosyncrasies of their ladies.
Two of the characters that recur in a large number of these uncollected sketches are Clare and Delia. In some cases Crompton adapted the original published piece by changing the heroine’s name to suit the book collection, e.g. a few tales featuring Angela, Clare, Belinda or Delia occasionally became Kathleen, and a few Clare and Delia sketches became Patricia. David has taken a similar liberty, but only with a couple of tales.
He has compiled the book in five sections, featuring Clare, Kathleen, Patricia, Delia and a pot pourri of other characters, often unnamed.
Hardback in d/w priced at £25.
Orders to David Schutte 01588 680058 davidschutte002@gmail.com