With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Edwardian Nobody will see diary come to life on TV

The 19th century novel The Diary of a Nobody, described by Evelyn Waugh as "the funniest book the world" is to be adapted for television.

George and Weedon Grossmith's novel, centring on the misfortunes of Charles Pooter, a self-delusional city clerk with lofty social aspirations, is to be screened by BBC4 as part of its Edwardian series in the Spring.

Hugh Bonneville, who featured in the film Notting Hill and starred in BBC2's Tsunami, is to star as Pooter in the four-part adaptation. "We all know a Pooter: scrupulous, fussy, industrious, big of heart, noble in intent and destined for mediocrity. I adore him. He's every inch an Englishman," the actor said.

The novel was published in 1892 after appearing in weekly extracts in Punch magazine. As Pooter tries to impress those further up the social ladder, he encounters various social mishaps which he records in his diaries.
Read entire article at Independent (UK)