The Diary of a Nobody

The Diary of a Nobody is a comic novel written by the brothers George and Weedon Grossmith, and first published in 1892. The main character of the book is Charles Pooter, a man who works as a clerk in London. Pooter decides to keep a diary ('I fail to see — because I do not happen to be a ‘Somebody’ — why my diary should not be interesting'), detailing his rather mundane life in the house that he shares with his wife Carrie, and sometimes with his wayward and more bohemian son, William (who informs his parents that he wishes to be called by his middle name 'Lupin').

Along with visits from his good friends - Gowing and Cummings, we get a glimpse into the ordinary but often unintentionally hilarious life of Pooter. Ambitious to rise up the social ranks, the diary recounts his mishaps, minor social embarrassments and humiliations, and vexations, many arising from Pooter's pomposity and general feeling of self-importance. He also diligently records the jokes he makes and other people's reactions to them.

Whilst the book wasn't widely popular upon publication, it is now considered a comedy classic and has been adapted many times for stage, radio, and television. Personally speaking, this is one of my favourite books of all times.