Rumpole like Jeeves and Sherlock Holmes is immortal P. D. JamesHorace Rumpole dishevelled barrister at law drinker of claret and smoker of cigars inveterate quoter of Wordsworth and eternal defender of the underdog is one of the greatest English comic characters ever created. This is the original volume of Rumpole stories introducing us to the legal triumphs that first made the Old Bailey Hacks name along with a host of choice villains frequent forays to Pommeroys wine bar and of course his formidable magisterial wife Hilda She Who Must Be Obeyed. I thank heaven for small mercies. The first of these is Rumpole Clive JamesA fruity foxy masterpiece defender of our wilting faith in mankind Sunday Times