The Pothunters

The Pothunters by P. G. Wodehouse - The Pothunters is a 1902 novel by P. G. Wodehouse. It was Wodehouse's first published novel, and the first of several school stories, this one set at the fictional public school of St. Austin's. First edition copies of the book in good condition are highly prized by collectors, and can change hands for over $10,000. The story was originally printed as a serial in Public School Magazine, commencing in January 1902, but when the magazine ceased publication in March that year, the remainder of the plot was summarised in the form of a letter from one of the characters. The Pothunters is dedicated to Joan, Effie and Ernestine Bowes-Lyon first cousin to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The novel follows the lives of several of the schoolboys as they study, take part in their school sports (particularly boxing and running), and enjoy tea in their studies. After the school's sports trophies ('pots' in contemporary slang) are stolen in a burglary, the boys, their masters, and the police join in the hunt for the 'pots'.