The diary is that of Mr. Charles Pooter, a city clerk of lower middle-class status but significant social aspirations, living in Upper Holloway. The humour derives from Pooter's unconscious gaffes and self-importance, as well as the snubs he receives from those he considers socially inferior, such as tradesmen. Read More...

John Mortimer chose his favourite Rumpole stories for this collection - the ones that made him laugh while writing them, which is, he says, ‘the only reliable test of a successful piece of work’. Read More...