Psmith, Journalist

"Psmith, Journalist" by P. G. Wodehouse is a comedic novel that follows the adventures of Psmith and his friend Mike Jackson in New York City. The story begins with Psmith accompanying Mike, who is part of a cricket team touring the United States. While Mike is occupied with cricket, Psmith finds himself in need of a stimulating activity. He soon becomes involved with "Cosy Moments," a weekly magazine known for its dull and uninspired content. The editor, Mr. J. Fillken Wilberfloss, is on a ten-week vacation, leaving the sub-editor, Billy Windsor, in charge. Psmith, with his flair for the dramatic and a desire for excitement, persuades Billy to revamp the magazine entirely. Psmith's plan for "Cosy Moments" is to transform it into a lively and engaging publication that tackles social issues and exposes corruption. He suggests dismissing the current contributors, whose work he finds insipid, and replacing them with more dynamic content. Despite the risk of losing their jobs, Billy agrees to Psmith's plan, and they set out to make the magazine a beacon of investigative journalism. Their first target is the tenement housing conditions in New York, which they discover during a walk through a slum area. Psmith is appalled by the living conditions and decides that "Cosy Moments" will shine a light on such injustices. As they prepare for the magazine's change, they encounter various colorful characters, including Bat Jarvis, a gang leader with a soft spot for cats, and a group of disgruntled former contributors who confront Psmith at the office. The novel is a humorous exploration of Psmith's attempts to bring about change and excitement in the world of journalism, all while navigating the challenges and eccentricities of New York City life.