Jeeves and Wooster books given trigger warnings and edited by publisher to remove 'unacceptable' PG Wodehouse prose

16 April 2023, 22:55 | Updated: 17 April 2023, 01:34

Several Jeeves and Wooster books by have been editted by publishers to remove “unacceptable” prose by author PG Wodehouse, with trigger warnings added to the comic novels over "outdated" themes.
Several Jeeves and Wooster books by have been edited by publishers to remove “unacceptable” prose by author PG Wodehouse, with trigger warnings added to the comic novels over "outdated" themes. Picture: Getty / Alamy

By Chris Samuel

Jeeves and Wooster books by have been edited by a publisher to remove “unacceptable” prose by author PG Wodehouse, with trigger warnings added to revised editions of the comic novels over "outdated" themes.

Original passages in the series have reportedly been reworked or removed for new editions issued by publisher Penguin Random House.

One of the disclaimers, which appears in the opening pages of a reissue of Thank You, Jeeves, explains that prose has been altered, having been deemed “unacceptable” by the publisher, The Telegraph reported.

“Please be aware that this book was published in the 1930s and contains language, themes and characterisations which you may find outdated," it reads.

Read more: Prince Harry 'had heart-to-heart with King Charles' before agreeing to attend coronation

Read more: Deaths of 650 patients treated by jailed breast cancer surgeon Ian Paterson to be investigated by medical experts

“In the present edition we have sought to edit, minimally, words that we regard as unacceptable to present-day readers.”

It adds that the alterations “do not affect the story” of the book, which is the first full length novel to feature the two characters.

The books' eponymous characters were portrayed by Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry in a popular ITV adaptation in the 1990s.
The books' eponymous characters were portrayed by Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry in a popular ITV adaptation in the 1990s. Picture: Alamy

Changes are also reported to have been made to Right Ho, Jeeves, and Thank You, Jeeves, both originally released in 1934, with passages that modern audiences may find removed.

The publisher is known employ sensitivity readers to vet both new and older works for potentially problematic depictions and language.

Among the examples of alterations identified by the Telegraph the novel Right Ho, Jeeves, in which a racist term used to describe a “minstrel of the old school” has been taken out.

In Thank You, Jeeves, the plot of which hinges on the performance of a minstrel troupe, an American form of racist theatrical entertainment that emerged in the early 19th century, numerous racial terms have been either cut or altered both in character dialogue and narration in the voice of Bertie.

P. G. Wodehouse
P. G. Wodehouse. Picture: Getty

The books' eponymous characters were portrayed by Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry in a popular ITV adaptation in the 1990s.

It comes after works by Agatha Christie, Ian Fleming, and Roald Dahl were altered to remove insensitive language.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

'Stranded' NASA astronauts set to return from nine month space mission - but what health issues could they face?

Exclusive
Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks star.

Rizzle Kicks star says children 'rely' on online communities for connection as he says 'boredom' to blame for rising crime

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Starmer confirms military chiefs to meet in UK next week - as Ukraine peace effort ‘moves into operational phase’

Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast in England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Dan Kitwood/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian captain of Solong container ship remanded in custody following crash with US oil tanker

BRITAIN-UKRAINE-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS-DEFENCE

'Coalition of the willing': Starmer hosts Ukraine peace summit as PM urges Putin to 'come to the negotiating table'

Joanne Penney, 40.

Five charged and one arrested after fatal shooting of 'deeply loved' mother

Ozdemir Zia hit Edna McLean as he turned his double-decker near Woolwich Arsenal station, London.

Bus driver avoids jail after killing 83-year-old pensioner in 'momentary error'

Front facade of a pretty country cottage, Netherbury, Dorset, UK - John Gollop

Met Police suggest planting roses in your garden could deter would-be burglars

March 11, 2025, London, England, UK: Actor, director and writer NOEL CLARKE arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice for his libel case against The Guardian over articles on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Actress said to have been groped by actor Noel Clarke tells court 'it is a lie'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months

The body of 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen was discovered in a basement in Great Portland Street, London, in 2008

On-the-run suspect urged to hand himself in 17 years on from murder and rape of student found dead in basement

Pint of Guinness in front of different ale and beer pumps, The Merchant's Arch Bar & Restaurant, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Guinness pint prices could soar to more than £6 due to Trump’s tariff war

Vladimir Putin must stop playing games with a ceasefire and come to the table, Sir Keir Starmer said, as he convenes world leaders to discuss peacekeeping in Ukraine

Starmer to host Ukraine peace summit - as he warns Putin to 'stop playing games' with ceasefire and come to table

Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department

Trump insists peace talks with Russia are going 'really well' despite Putin being accused of 'delaying tactics'

The MV Stena Immaculate tanker after it was hit by the MV Solong container vessel in the North Sea

Captain of container ship Solong which crashed into US oil tanker charged with gross negligence manslaughter