A reader writes:
I don't know that I will ever find anything that gives me such joy as reading Wodehouse. But how do you mention fascism and Wodehouse without bringing up Roderick Spode?
A fantastic parody of Sir Oswald Mosley, who, upon finding out that other competing fascist groups had already picked out various shirt colors as their calling cards decides that his followers will wear black shorts and tries to justify it by describing the choice as a display of pride in the knees that stood at Waterloo. Especially, when Bertie demolishes him with this:
The trouble with you, Spode, is that just because you have succeeded in inducing a handful of half-wits to disfigure the London scene by going about in black shorts, you think you're someone. You hear them shouting "Heil, Spode!" and you imagine it is the Voice of the People. That is where you make your bloomer. What the Voice of the People is saying is: "Look at that frightful ass Spode swanking about in footer bags! Did you ever in your puff see such a perfect perisher?"
BTW, I found that quote in one simple Google search and it supports my pet theory about Wodehouse. Many writers can set up a fantastic joke or story over the course of a few paragraphs. Wodehouse is funny line by line.
Isaac's piece mentions Spode. If you really want to treat yourself, settle down and read the inimitable Hitch on the irreplaceable Wodehouse. He tackles the fascism angle spectacularly.
The Dish 