The Heart of a Goof
(US: Divots)
by
P. G. Wodehouse
Literary and Cultural References
The following notes attempt to explain cultural, historical and literary allusions in Wodehouse’s text, to identify his sources, and to cross-reference similar references in the rest of the canon. This preliminary version of the document exists mainly to provide links to the original magazine texts of the short golf stories collected herein.
The Heart of a Goof was published by Herbert Jenkins, London, on 15 April 1926. The US edition, under the title Divots, was published by George H. Doran, New York, on 4 May 1927.
There are a number of slight differences between the two editions, chiefly as regards the names of places, golfers and the like, which were adapted to suit the intended readership. Until this document is fleshed out with annotations, see Neil Midkiff’s page of data on the short stories for remarks on the different versions of the stories. Note also that each of the stories is annotated in the form of end notes to one of their individual magazine transcriptions, as noted below for each story.
Preface
The Heart of a Goof
“The Heart of a Goof” was first published in September 1923 in the Red Book magazine (US) and in April 1924 in the Strand Magazine (UK). The Red Book transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
High Stakes
“High Stakes” was first published on September 19, 1925 in the Saturday Evening Post (US) and in October 1925 in the Strand Magazine (UK). The Saturday Evening Post transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
Keeping In with Vosper
“Keeping In with Vosper” was first published in March 1926 in the Strand Magazine (UK) and on March 13, 1926 in Liberty (US). The Strand transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
Chester Forgets Himself
“Chester Forgets Himself” was first published on July 7, 1923 in the Saturday Evening Post (US) and in May 1924 in the Strand Magazine (UK). The Saturday Evening Post transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
The Magic Plus Fours
“The Magic Plus Fours” was first published in December 1922 in the Strand Magazine (UK) and, as “The Plus Fours,” in January 1923 in the Red Book magazine (US). The Red Book transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
The Awakening of Rollo Podmarsh
“The Awakening of Rollo Podmarsh” was first published in January 1923 in the Strand Magazine (UK) and, as “Rollo Podmarsh Comes To,” in March 1923 in the Red Book magazine (US). The Strand transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
Rodney Fails to Qualify
“Rodney Fails to Qualify” was first published on February 23, 1924 in the Saturday Evening Post (US) and in March 1924 in the Strand Magazine (UK). The Strand transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
Jane Gets Off the Fairway
“Jane Gets Off the Fairway” was first published on October 25, 1924 in the Saturday Evening Post (US) and in November 1924 in the Strand Magazine (UK). The Strand transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
The Purification of Rodney Spelvin
“The Purification of Rodney Spelvin” was first published on August 22, 1925 in the Saturday Evening Post (US) and in September 1925 in the Strand Magazine (UK). The Strand transcription on this site has annotations to this story as end notes.
Wodehouse’s writings are copyright © Trustees of the Wodehouse Estate in most countries;
material published prior to 1930 is in USA public domain, used here with permission of the Estate.
Our editorial commentary and other added material are copyright
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