Just William

by Richmal Crompton
Just William cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1671
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780330507455
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 11
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £9.99 CD-Audio • £14.00
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Just William is a delightful compilation of twelve classic stories featuring the ever-chaotic William. Whether he's meddling in his sister's love life or attempting to run away from home by becoming a boot boy, William's antics are sure to bring endless amusement. Each story is a testament to the timeless charm of this beloved character, who always manages to turn even the simplest situations into a whirlwind of mischief. This edition includes a charming introduction by Sue Townsend, a renowned comic writer and a longtime fan of William's escapades. The stories are not only a celebration of William's unique brand of humor but also a nostalgic journey back to a simpler time, filled with wit and warmth.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-08
entertaining 4.00

The book is celebrated for its exploration of family and social life, highlighting both the constraints and nurturing aspects. Readers find the stories wonderfully entertaining and eloquently written.

Goodreads reviewers appreciate how Just William delves into the complexities of family and social life, offering a nuanced portrayal of the constraints and nurturing aspects of these relationships. They find the stories wonderfully entertaining and praise the eloquent writing style. The book's ability to make readers laugh out loud is frequently mentioned, underscoring its enduring appeal. The reviewer also notes that the vivid characters and humorous situations make it a beloved classic.

Quick quotes

    Crompton's fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them.

    Customers find this book wonderfully entertaining, with several mentioning it made them laugh out loud multiple times.

    Moreover, the writing is eloquently.

The New York Times · 2022-04-22
nostalgic 4.00

The enduring appeal of William lies in his timeless mischief and the nostalgic charm of British childhood. The stories capture the essence of family dynamics and societal norms of the early 20th century.

The New York Times highlights how William's antics continue to resonate with readers a century later. They appreciate the book's ability to transport readers to a bygone era, filled with the innocence and humor of childhood. The reviewer notes that William's escapades are not just entertaining but also offer a glimpse into the social and familial structures of the past. The book's timelessness is attributed to its relatable characters and the universal themes of family and growing up.

Quick quotes

    Richmal Crompton's prototypical schoolboy has survived war, upheaval, changing tastes and a new world.

    He's still just 11.

    The stories capture the essence of family dynamics and societal norms of the early 20th century.

The Guardian · 2014-07-31
delightful 4.00

The book is praised for its clever language and humor, making it a delightful read. William's mischievous nature adds to the charm and entertainment value.

The Guardian reviewer found Just William to be a highly enjoyable read, particularly appreciating the clever use of language and humor. They highlight William's mischievous character as a key element that makes the book so entertaining. The reviewer also notes that the book's ability to make readers laugh out loud is a testament to its enduring appeal. The timeless nature of the stories and the vivid characters make it a classic that continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    Just William was great. I really enjoyed it because it was very clever language and very funny.

    William might seem to you a very mischievous little boy.

    It was very clever language and very funny.

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