Black for Luck by P. G. Wodehouse
Black for Luck is a novel by P. G. Wodehouse, published in 1903. The story follows the adventures of a young man named Archie, who becomes embroiled in a series of absurd and humorous situations after he inherits a large sum of money from a wealthy relative. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters, including a beautiful woman, a bumbling detective, and a group of mischievous thieves. Despite the many obstacles in his path, Archie remains optimistic and determined to find happiness and success. The novel is known for its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and memorable characters, and is considered a classic of comedic literature.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1903 · Genre: Comedy, Fiction, Classic British literature · 6,842 words
First lines
He was black, but comely. Obviously in reduced circumstances, he had nevertheless contrived to retain a certain smartness, a certain air -- what the French call the tournure. Nor had poverty killed in him the aristocrat's instinct of personal cleanliness; for even as Elizabeth caught sight of him he began to wash himself.
At the sound of her step he looked up. He did not move, but there was suspicion in his attitude. The muscles of his back contracted, his eyes glowed like yellow lamps against black velvet, his tail switched a little, warningly.
What this Textopian page supports
Black for Luck is listed on Textopian as a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Fiction, Classic British literature
- Length: 6,842 words
- Structure: 1 section, 159 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Black for Luck by P. G. Wodehouse
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Black for Luck?
- How does this short story by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Man Upstairs by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Rough Stuff by P. G. Wodehouse
- Ahead Of Schedule by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Man With Two Left Feet by P. G. Wodehouse
- Three From Dunsterville by P. G. Wodehouse
- Ukridges Accident Syndicate by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Comedy — The book, written by P.G. Wodehouse, is known for humor and comedy, particularly for his characters' amusing dialogue and absurd situations.
- Fiction — This is a work of imaginative creation by P.G. Wodehouse, as opposed to non-fiction.
- Classic British literature — P.G. Wodehouse is a noted writer in classic British literature who writes about British society, and this book is one of his many works in this genre.
Tags
humor · comedy · satire · British literature · short stories · lighthearted · witty · romance · social class · upper class · character-driven · absurdity