A Bounty of Blandings: Summer Lightning / Heavy Weather / Blandings Castle

P. G. Wodehouse’s uproarious portrait of an aristocratic family whose lives revolve around an enormous Berkshire sow.

Welcome to Shropshire, England-in this dreamy countryside lies Blandings Castle, seat of the ninth Earl of Emsworth. He and his family live an idyllic life of peace and solitude, punctuated by afternoon tea, long strolls in the garden, and summer showers. Or would if they weren't in a Wodehouse story.

The apple of Lord Emsworth's eye is the Empress of Blandings, a splendid Berkshire sow who has twice won honors in the Fat Pig class at the local agricultural show. Besides keeping his pig in shape, Emsworth must deal with his sister's snobby demeanor, his brother's crazy memoirs, and a rival pig whose bulk might dash the Empress's hopes of another medal. Throw in a few young lovers and you have yourself a perfect brew of hilarious adventures. Included in this omnibus are Summer Lightning, Heavy Weather, and Blandings Castle. Evelyn Waugh once said, "The gardens of Blandings Castle are that original garden from which we are all exiled. All those who know them long to return."