The Luck Stone facts for kids

The Luck Stone is an exciting adventure novel written by P. G. Wodehouse. He used a different name, Basil Windham, for this book. It first appeared as a story in parts (a "serial") in a magazine called Chums: An Illustrated Paper for Boys. This was between September 1908 and January 1909, when Wodehouse was 27 years old.

When Was The Luck Stone Published?

The Luck Stone was first printed as a full book much later. This happened on March 31, 1997, long after P. G. Wodehouse passed away in 1975. Galahad Books released it as a special, limited edition. Later, it came out in paperback in 2006 and as a hardcover book in 2014.

What is The Luck Stone About?

A School Story with a Twist

Many of Wodehouse's stories from this time are set in a public school for boys. The Luck Stone also takes place in a school. However, it's different from his usual school tales. Wodehouse himself said he wanted it to be "not so public-schooly" and have a "rather lurid plot."

Mystery, Adventure, and Danger

This book is special because it's Wodehouse's only novel filled with mystery, high adventure, and danger. A Wodehouse expert, Richard Usborne, called it "blood and thunder." This means it's a thrilling story with lots of action. Usborne believed Wodehouse really enjoyed writing it. He said Wodehouse knew all the tricks of writing exciting adventure stories.

Wodehouse's Unique Style

Even though it's an adventure story, The Luck Stone still feels like a true Wodehouse book. It has his famous funny situations and quirky characters. You'll also find his clever humor and excellent writing. Usborne highly recommended the book, saying, "You're fortunate to have discovered The Luck Stone. Read it."

Illustrations in The Luck Stone

All printed versions of The Luck Stone include the original pictures. These illustrations were first seen in the Chums magazine. They show how Wodehouse mixes two different things in the novel. There's a serious, suspenseful main story. But it also has many funny moments and side stories that make you laugh.

Images for kids

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  A mysterious figure at a window.

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  A humorous scene with a chicken.