Herbert Jenkins (1) (1876–1923)

A very popular book in its time, for instance my copy is in its 17th printing, completing 278,711 copies. The foreword suggests it was first published around 1916; the handwritten dates written inside the back cover are from 1931-33. This title was a circulating library candidate - this copy bearing a big stamp on the cover: 'Bedford's circulating library, 262 Cowley Road, Oxford: terms 2d for seven days'. Interestingly I bought it in a charity shop on Cowley Road. The last line of the library notice states clearly: 'Borrowers must see that Books are entered when Hired' .… (more)

Joseph Bindle is a easy-going and jokey character,married to a religious and hard-working wife. In the course of these stories Bindle shows a sometimes annoying propensity to play practical jokes on all and sundry. This to the modern reader can be rather off-putting. He also shows a big heart under all this light-hearted banter.
We see him at his work as a furniture remover and at home with the severe Mrs Bindle. On the whole this as well as others in the series are remarkably readable after 70 years or more.… (more)

A series of humorous episodes concerning a nagging housewife and her long-suffering husband. In the central and longest episode in which Mrs.Bindle complains bitterly that Bindle never takes her on holiday,they go to a Summer Camp for Tired Workers. This is organized by an amiable but inept Bishop and takes place deep in the country. What with bell-tents that will not stay up,flea infested bedding and no facilities at all,this turns out to be less than popular with Mrs.B. The cheery Mr.B is attacked verbally throughout the book for very little reason by his aggressive wife. Similar in many ways to Mrs.Caudle's Curtain Lectures and Mrs. 'Arris, it is quite funny on the whole but the humour does get a little strained as the book goes on.… (more)