A very popular book in its time, for instance my copy is in its 17th printing, completing 278,711 copies. The foreword suggests it was first published around 1916; the handwritten dates written inside the back cover are from 1931-33. This title was a circulating library candidate - this copy bearing a big stamp on the cover: 'Bedford's circulating library, 262 Cowley Road, Oxford: terms 2d for seven days'. Interestingly I bought it in a charity shop on Cowley Road. The last line of the library notice states clearly: 'Borrowers must see that Books are entered when Hired' .

Some funny episodes scattered about. ( )

Joseph Bindle is a easy-going and jokey character,married to a religious and hard-working wife. In the course of these stories Bindle shows a sometimes annoying propensity to play practical jokes on all and sundry. This to the modern reader can be rather off-putting. He also shows a big heart under all this light-hearted banter.
We see him at his work as a furniture remover and at home with the severe Mrs Bindle. On the whole this as well as others in the series are remarkably readable after 70 years or more. ( )

My Dad got this as a birthday present from his sister in 1952. How popular it was. This copy is of the 25th printing, completing 373,711 copies. I am sure he never read it and I don't intend to. Cheeky, cheerful dustjacket, however.