Reginald in Russia by Saki
Saki, the pseudonym of H.H. Munro, is an author I first discovered back in 2012, when I read a little collection of his short pieces put out by Hesperus, and also his first volume of stories under the title “Reginald”. Now Michael Walmer has put out the second Saki selection called, titled “Reginald in Russia” in one of his lovely new editions and has kindly provided a copy for review.
Although Saki’s regular character Reginald is referenced in the title, it’s in fact only the first story in the collection in which he features. And there’s no shortage of the usual wit which is on show while Reginald exchanges bon mots with Princess Olga. Other stories are equally witty, covering subjects as wide-ranging as strange encounters in woods, ghost stories and a short and funny play. There are some really wonderful twists; one of my favourites being in the story “The Reticence of Lady Anne”, about a domestic dispute which has a completely unexpected ending.
“I hate posterity – it’s so fond of having the last word.”
In some ways, Saki reminds me a little of Ronald Firbank (also published by Michael Walmer); the two writers share a love of funny phrases and witty exchanges, although of the two it has to be said that Saki is a lot more comprehensible – and often screamingly funny! It’s a tribute to his skill that he can take something really quite dark (Gabriel-Ernest) and turn into something entertaining but unsettling.
Saki often covers unexpectedly deep subject matter but always in a witty, clever way. Alas, he died young, a victim of the horrors of the First World War which robbed the world of many talented artists. But at least we’ve been left with the laughter and levity of his works which still entertain today. If you love Wodehouse, Wilde and wit, “Reginald in Russia” is most definitely for you!
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I think my love of Hesperus may have confused some of my commenters, but I should remind readers that the book has been published by Michael Walmer, who has a lovely catalogue of books – his site is most definitely worth a visit!
Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings 
Oct 25, 2014 @ 08:15:42
These stories do sound delightful, and I do love Wodehouse and Wilde so I’m sure I would enjoy them too. Hesperus do put out some lovely looking books.
Oct 25, 2014 @ 21:05:50
I’m sure you’d love him Ali – very witty and very dark sometimes!
Oct 30, 2014 @ 08:55:11
They do, but this one is published by Michael Walmer! 🙂
Oct 30, 2014 @ 09:50:41
Oh I must have missed that.
Oct 30, 2014 @ 09:55:01
It’s an understandable mistake, because Hespersus *did* put out a collection of his stories I reviewed on here. But this is from Michael Walmer who produces equally lovely books! 🙂
Oct 25, 2014 @ 13:59:09
The Reticence of Lady Anne is a very fine thing, is it not? What better reason not to speak! Thanks for covering this Karen.
Oct 25, 2014 @ 21:06:46
No probs – I think Lady Anne is probably my favourite story in the collection – it’s so clever!!
Oct 25, 2014 @ 16:56:10
They sound good. I just read the posterity quote in a coffee shop and laughed out loud! Except for fact people are now looking at me strangely, I like one-liners that make me laugh so this is one I will look out for!!!
Oct 25, 2014 @ 21:07:24
That’s the problem with reading humorous books in public! 🙂
Oct 25, 2014 @ 19:44:38
I finally read some Saki last year (Chronicles of Clovis) and have the rest lined up to read (thanks Project Gutenberg). They were perfect stories to read on the bus going to work.
Oct 25, 2014 @ 21:08:05
As long as you don’t laugh too much like Col and get funny looks from your fellow passengers…. 🙂
Oct 25, 2014 @ 21:14:37
Ha! Ha! Some of the passengers are a lot weirder than me 🙂 With Saki he has some brilliant titles, e.g. The Stampeding of Lady Bastable – I love that title!
Oct 25, 2014 @ 22:12:52
Saki has been on the ‘must try’ list for years – thank you for the reminder!
Oct 25, 2014 @ 23:01:26
He’s great fun – I hope you get to read him!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 12:36:11
I’ve loved the Saki I’ve read (only the first Reginald set), but did find that a little went a long way – best to savour just a few little tales at a time prolonged the hilarity for me. Must read more!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 20:41:55
I know what you mean – they’re like rich food in that a little is enough and too many one after the other would tend to spoil the effect. Great for dipping into, though!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 23:21:16
This point about Saki in smaller amounts is a really important one, I think. This is why I’m reprinting each of his books separately, rather than in a huge clunking omnibus as he has been published recently….
Oct 27, 2014 @ 09:20:06
A good plan – I have the omnibus but a volume like that kind of encourages you to read it all at once, and that would spoil Saki!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 13:32:42
I am horrified by how many times I say this, but Saki is yet another author on my must-read-someday list. I’ve had so many people tell me how funny and wonderful he is, I really, really MUST.
Oct 26, 2014 @ 20:42:23
Oh, you must! He’s a wonderful wit!
Oct 29, 2014 @ 19:58:17
I love Saki, and coincidentally was thinking about him this morning, so your post will send me to my huge “Collected” Saki (mine’s a Penguin). Or perhaps I was having a prophetic momenin which I knew I would read your blog and… A lovely post, and good for Hesperus for making the Reginald stories available.
Oct 29, 2014 @ 22:10:59
Saki’s wonderful to dip into – ideal for small chunks of satisfying reading!
Oct 30, 2014 @ 08:54:17
(though the book is published by Michael Walmer!)
Oct 31, 2014 @ 11:38:40
I’ve only ever read a few of his stories from themed anthologies and that was yonks ago – thanks Karen, sounds like it’s tome to get some Saki!
Oct 31, 2014 @ 12:33:14
Definitely! He’s so sharp and witty! 🙂
Mar 03, 2021 @ 07:36:47
Jul 05, 2021 @ 07:02:57