The narrator's style and characterization are misplaced. It's as if an affable uncle is reading a story badly. Wrong choice, especially when there are such good Wodehouse interpreters out there (e.g., Jarvis, Mordern, Carmichael, etc). Wodehouse is, of course, wonderful, but choose another edition.

The "Oldest Member" of a country club narrates ten comic tales to dispirited and frustrated younger golfers in order to boost their spirits, enhance their morals, and keep them from snapping their clubs in half. In typical Wodehouse style, most of the stories involve chasing skirts as well as replacing divots (although definitely not in that order of priority).

There are two principal scenarios: a player's love of golf either impresses or repels the girl of his dreams, or two players fall in love with the same woman and their performance on the course settles the dispute. Since these formulae have, of course, a very limited number of possible outcomes, it's best to savor the chapters singly, more to enjoy the humor and less to anticipate the endings, which are usually foreseeable. (My favorite story strays from the basic blueprint--sort of. A golfer with a mean temper relies on some randomly selected sayings of Marcus Aurelius in order to maintain his cool, impress his boss, earn a promotion--and keep his fiancee.)

How much one appreciates this volume will, not surprisingly, depend on whether one plays golf. Golf lovers are sure to enjoy these sketches, which are greatly enhanced by Wodehouse's trademark drollery and smart-aleck asides. Recuperating 18-hole addicts (I myself have been club-free for 23 years, 6 months, 10 days) will find themselves heading for a tavern to avoid relapse. Golf widows (and widowers) are likely to burn the volume before they get to page 20. And non-golfers--even readers who enjoy Wodehouse's other works--are certain to be baffled by passages such as this one: "The twelfth is a long, dog-leg hole, bogey five. Alexander plugged steadily round the bend, holing out in six, and Mitchell, whose second shot had landed him in some long grass, was obliged to use his niblick. He contrived, however, to halve the hole with a nicely-judged mashie-shot to the edge of the green."

If haven't read Wodehouse before, this volume isn't where you should start--especially if you don't play golf (I recommend "Joy in the Morning"). If, however, you have had to endure the passions of a golfer, this is probably one of the best gifts you can get him or her.

If you've enjoyed Wodehouse's golf writings just half as much as I have, then I've enjoyed it twice as much as you! But, surreally, folks, I've really enjoyed Wodehouse's works on tape, for those long & medium drives, & even more for those interminable waits in traffic while trying to force my way to and from the metrop. Listening to Plum's stuff on tape reminds me of the Car Talk bumper sticker, "I'm Not Laughing At You, I'm Listening To Car Talk".
I had gotten an abridged (45 minute) tape of Wodehouse golf stories from Amazon UK, & while it was nice, it left me a little "peckish" for more. When I saw this unabridged set was available, I dove on it like Bertie Wooster on a policeman's helmet on Boat Race Night.
While I really enjoy the stories, Frederick Davidson's vocal stylings of The Oldest Member remind me of a Seattle kids' TV show character, Foghorn. Doug Setterberg, who played Foghorn, had had a laryngectomy, & spoke through a small amplifier. Remember what those sound like? Normally anything by Wodehouse is soothing, & relaxing, but after 1/2 hour of Davidson's droning tones, I was biting huge patches out of my upholstery & the headliner in my Humber Super Snipe. I give this set 9 stars just because of the brilliance of Wodehouse's stories, although this set needs more content. The set ends with "The Coming Of Gowf", one of my least favorite of Wodehouse's golf stories, but the last 5 minutes of this story takes up about 5 minutes of the 5th cassette of the set, leaving PLENTY of space for wonderful tales such as the tales of Rodney Spelvin. I deduct 5 stars due to this, and due to the reader's voice, leaving a net of 4 stars. I really wish they had chosen someone like Richard Wilson II to read this, but what the heck, eh? Now if PBS & the BBC were to do these stories for TV, that would be something!

Donald Walters has wasted his talent on the subject of spirituality. He should have concentrated on a subject he has far more expertise in such as fighting law suits on sexual harrassment. He gives new meaning to the "loving" swami. Save your money. If you want a real good fiction book read the Harry Potter series. If you are in search of a truly spiritual book try Autobiography of a Yogi written by Paramahansa Yogananda.

... that if you come to this book seeking truth, your reading should stop at the copyright page. Most everything beyond that is bilious revisionism.

A Place Called Ananda is the both the inside story of the Ananda communities, and the compelling autobiography of the man who founded them, J. Donald Walters (a.k.a. Swami Kriyananda). Following the core thought that "People are more important than things," the six Ananda communities located in America and Italy embrace inspiration, inner freedom, harmony, and cooperation. A Place Called Ananda is a remarkable and very highly recommended account straight from the founder who motivated people of all walks and backgrounds to work together for higher quality of both physical and spiritual life.

THE GUY FROM DETROIT HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS. YOU ALSO HAVE TO BE A SPIRITUAL MASTER TO BE ABLE TO DETERMAN THIS. THANKYOU FOR LISTENING.

This book is filled with gossip and negative "revelations" from someone who claims to be a "man of God". I don't understand how a man who says he is a swami, and who professes to follow the teachings of his Guru Paramahansa Yogananda could put such thing in print (and on audio cassette too).

From reading this book online it is plain to see that this so called "swami" puts others down to make himself seem greater than he is. Paramahansa Yogananda did not teach this. I know for I have read his books and there are no such aweful and negative accounts of people in his writings.

Even if the things that he mentioned were true what was his purpose in writing the book? Was he trying to get more members for his church by maligning an organization he was kicked out of? (Self Realization Fellowship) I bet he for got to mention that as a swami he's supposed to be celebate but in open court he admitted to having sex with nuns in his church!

This man is an ego maniac who totally dishonors the teachings of Paramahansaji. If you want to read a book about rumors and inuendo, then this book is for you.
IF YOU ARE ON THE SPIRITUAL PATH FOR SELF-REALIZATION, I URGE YOU TO PLEASE LEAVE THIS BOOK WHERE IT IS......ON THE SHELF!

Before you go any further into this man's church please be advised he is not whom he proclaims to be.

When I bought this book through a friend before I had a computer and went on line, I thought well he is not Terry Thomas whom I heard on WNYC about 40 years ago but what the hell. What I heard was a reading with a laugh track and chuckling along with himself that became so distracting that I can't still play it on my tape player.To anyone who appreciates P.G. Wodehouse I recommend that you avoid any of his tapes. I've been hunting for the Caedmon recording for months now without any success. If anyone knows where to find it please let me know. Amazon has a rating from 1 to 5 but there should be ratings of -1 to -5 also. I would rate this recording as Minus 5.