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Just William #5
Just William 5
Includes#58; William and the Russian Prince, William#8217;s Busy Day, William #8211; The Great Actor, William and the White Elephants, Finding a School for William, William#8217;s Birthday, William Clears The Slums, Parrots for Ethel, William#8217;s Truthful Christmas, Boys Will Be Boys, William and the Ebony Hair-Brush, William and the Old Man in the Fog.BRDescribed by the Daily Telegraph as #8216;the wizard of the talking book#8217;, Martin Jarvis has made the voices of William and his gang of outlaws his own in these marvellous readings. Roar with laughter as the lovable rogue, hampered by the loathsome Violet Elizabeth, wreaks havoc in this ever-popular series of stories.
Audiobook
First published January 1, 1925
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About the author
Richmal Crompton
474 books172 followersRichmal Crompton Lamburn was initially trained as a schoolmistress but later became a popular English writer, best known for her Just William series of books, humorous short stories, and to a lesser extent adult fiction books.
Crompton's fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them. This is best seen in her depiction of children as puzzled onlookers of society's ways. Nevertheless, the children, particularly William and his Outlaws, almost always emerge triumphant.
Crompton's fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them. This is best seen in her depiction of children as puzzled onlookers of society's ways. Nevertheless, the children, particularly William and his Outlaws, almost always emerge triumphant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 24, 2023
Wouter leidt zijn vrienden, vaak tegen hun zin en tegen beter weten in, weer in een heleboel avonturen. Gewoonlijk loopt dat vooral voor Wouter zelf verkeerd af, al komt hij er toch steeds weer uit met een minimum aan "winst".
De misverstanden leiden steeds weer tot nog grotere misverstanden en, voor de lezer, hilarische toestanden. De mentaliteit van Wouter, nu proberen en morgen zien we wel hoe het afloopt, helpt ook niet echt om de kleine en grote catastrofes te voorkomen. Meestal zijn de slachtoffers van de goede bedoelingen van de bende wel minder sympathieke personen, dus medelijden verdienen ze niet echt.
De ouders en broer en zus van Wouter beschouwen hem min of meer als een hopeloos geval en ondergaan gelaten de gevolgen van zijn akties. Al volgt er steevast wel een, vaak lijfelijke, straf.
Dus het wokegehalte is nul komma nul.
Hilarisch voor de leeftijdsgroep waarvoor het boek bedoeld is. Weliswaar verouderd en het speelt in een voorbije en misschien ook toen wel, geïdealiseerde wereld. Maar ook voor oudere lezers (of om voor te lezen) primeert het humorgehalte.
De misverstanden leiden steeds weer tot nog grotere misverstanden en, voor de lezer, hilarische toestanden. De mentaliteit van Wouter, nu proberen en morgen zien we wel hoe het afloopt, helpt ook niet echt om de kleine en grote catastrofes te voorkomen. Meestal zijn de slachtoffers van de goede bedoelingen van de bende wel minder sympathieke personen, dus medelijden verdienen ze niet echt.
De ouders en broer en zus van Wouter beschouwen hem min of meer als een hopeloos geval en ondergaan gelaten de gevolgen van zijn akties. Al volgt er steevast wel een, vaak lijfelijke, straf.
Dus het wokegehalte is nul komma nul.
Hilarisch voor de leeftijdsgroep waarvoor het boek bedoeld is. Weliswaar verouderd en het speelt in een voorbije en misschien ook toen wel, geïdealiseerde wereld. Maar ook voor oudere lezers (of om voor te lezen) primeert het humorgehalte.
May 1, 2025
"When Robert saw his “overflow bag” he had turned red.
When he saw his socks he had turned purple.
When he saw his shirt he had turned green.
When he saw his trousers he had turned white.
When he saw his note-book he had turned yellow.
When Miss Hatherly began to read he muttered something about feeling faint and crept unostentatiously out of the window. Marion followed him."
“Mother,” she said, “can’t we do anything about William? Can’t we send him to an orphanage or anything?”
“No, darling,” said Mrs. Brown calmly. “You see, for one thing, he isn’t an orphan.”
“But he’s so awful!” said Ethel. “He’s so unspeakably dreadful!”
“Oh, no, Ethel,” said Mrs. Brown still darning placidly. “Don’t say things like that about your little brother. I sometimes think that when William’s just had his hair cut and got a new suit on he looks quite sweet!”
When he saw his socks he had turned purple.
When he saw his shirt he had turned green.
When he saw his trousers he had turned white.
When he saw his note-book he had turned yellow.
When Miss Hatherly began to read he muttered something about feeling faint and crept unostentatiously out of the window. Marion followed him."
“Mother,” she said, “can’t we do anything about William? Can’t we send him to an orphanage or anything?”
“No, darling,” said Mrs. Brown calmly. “You see, for one thing, he isn’t an orphan.”
“But he’s so awful!” said Ethel. “He’s so unspeakably dreadful!”
“Oh, no, Ethel,” said Mrs. Brown still darning placidly. “Don’t say things like that about your little brother. I sometimes think that when William’s just had his hair cut and got a new suit on he looks quite sweet!”
June 25, 2021
Another collection of William stories, they are all good and recommended!
August 26, 2017
Some quite good William stories here, and for the first time his group of friends (the Outlaws) starts taking its definitive shape. William Brown is a great literary creation, and still funny a century later.
January 16, 2019
Delightful collection of stories here. Right from the first appearance of the Bott family to some other really funny stories like the Matchmaker, the blackmail haunted house,truthful Christmas and valentine
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May 1, 2017Edition: New edition
November 17, 2023
"Still - William", the fifth instalment in Richmal Crompton's beloved Just William series, proves once again that William Brown is a timeless hero of mischief. This delightful book finds our young protagonist embroiled in a series of scrapes and adventures that are as entertaining as they are farcical.
Crompton's writing remains as sharp as ever, her wit as sparkling. The stories are a masterclass in the art of narrative, with William's antics leading the reader on a merry dance through suburban Britain. Each chapter is a self-contained gem, shining with humour and the sort of innocent roguishness that only a character like William can embody.
What stands out most in "Still - William" is the delightful way Crompton captures the essence of childhood - that blend of naïveté and cunning, of earnestness and mischief. William, with his Outlaws in tow, navigates a world that is constantly baffling, often unjust, but always ripe for his particular brand of chaotic intervention.
From trying to improve his report card to dabbling in the world of art, William's adventures are as mischievous as they are well-meaning. Crompton’s ability to evoke laughter through the simplest of scenarios is uncanny. She plays the English language like a fiddle, crafting dialogue and description that dance off the page with vivacity.
In conclusion, "Still - William" is a delightful romp through the world of a boy who is as exasperating as he is lovable. It’s a book that doesn't just tickle the funny bone; it gives it a good-natured prod. For fans old and new, William remains an unrivalled champion of childhood shenanigans.
Crompton's writing remains as sharp as ever, her wit as sparkling. The stories are a masterclass in the art of narrative, with William's antics leading the reader on a merry dance through suburban Britain. Each chapter is a self-contained gem, shining with humour and the sort of innocent roguishness that only a character like William can embody.
What stands out most in "Still - William" is the delightful way Crompton captures the essence of childhood - that blend of naïveté and cunning, of earnestness and mischief. William, with his Outlaws in tow, navigates a world that is constantly baffling, often unjust, but always ripe for his particular brand of chaotic intervention.
From trying to improve his report card to dabbling in the world of art, William's adventures are as mischievous as they are well-meaning. Crompton’s ability to evoke laughter through the simplest of scenarios is uncanny. She plays the English language like a fiddle, crafting dialogue and description that dance off the page with vivacity.
In conclusion, "Still - William" is a delightful romp through the world of a boy who is as exasperating as he is lovable. It’s a book that doesn't just tickle the funny bone; it gives it a good-natured prod. For fans old and new, William remains an unrivalled champion of childhood shenanigans.
June 26, 2017
This was a hilarious set of stories. It is set in a more innocent time when children were allowed to be a lot more independent than they are now and were forced to use their imagination more because the only electronic entertainment they had was the radio. Martin Jarvis is a first rate narrator and he really brings the stories in the audiobook to life. I like William and his long suffering family and really enjoyed the "problems" he and his friend the outlaws got themselves into. An added bonus to the CD is a 1964 interview with the author Richmal Crompton who said that she originally wrote the series for adults but over time it was moved to children's section in libraries. I really enjoyed this CD and would recommend.
October 19, 2021
Esta entrega de las Aventuras de Guillermo tiene dos cosas en común, muchas de las aventuras está protagonizadas por Violet Elizabeth Bott, auténtica némesis de William, y que parte de las historias que la componen, no fueron editadas en España. Destacamos tres relatos: "The Sweet Little Girl In White" es la primera historia de Violet, y como trata de manipular a Guillermo. "William The Match-Maker" aunque dentro de este tomo intenta "ayudar" a su hermano Robert con su vida amorosa, en esta ocasión busca un novio para su hermana Ethel, y les concierta una cita. "William And Uncle George", Guillermo caracterizado de abuelo en una silla de ruedas, rodeado por sus potenciales herederos, al lado una suculenta merienda.
October 27, 2024
Hilarious and laugh out loud funny. When I need a pick me up I reach for the next William. There are no modern children's books to compare. The prose style is utterly delightful. For anyone who loved William, try Booth Tarkington's Penrod and it's adorable sequel 'Penrod and Sam'.
October 16, 2017
Oh that William!
October 15, 2018
Still hilarious!
December 9, 2018
Still fun. :) I still think they're for the grown ups really.
June 15, 2019
One of the best William books. Excellent! They all are.
December 2, 2020
Just love these stories.
June 8, 2021
Very funny 😁
March 22, 2023
Zase ten Jirka!
a zase super
a zase super
January 22, 2024
You do notice as an adult that these get rather formulaic ! Still enjoyable to read to kid though
June 3, 2024
I enjoy reading William since a was a child.
June 12, 2025
William 4ever!
November 4, 2025
Really love William books. So enjoyable with his little adventures with his friends. He always seems to be getting into trouble without meaning to!!
December 13, 2025
Still The Same William
Still loving William after fifty years. My uncle loved him in the 1930s, and he's still as funny in the 2020s.
Still loving William after fifty years. My uncle loved him in the 1930s, and he's still as funny in the 2020s.
June 18, 2016
The main reason I decided to go ahead with this one is that I wanted to read the famous debut of Violet Elizabeth Bott. There is a ring of truth to Violet Elizabeth stronger than any other I've experienced so far, and her introduction adds quite a bit of much-needed variety to the series, as do the other stories featuring the Bott family.
I was pleased to discover that this book features quite a lot of typical boyhood adventures with the Outlaws as a foursome, just as I wished for in my last review. I find Ginger, Henry and Douglas far more believable and satisfying characters for William to interact with than anyone else in the series (including his own family) and I feel that this book really shows the Outlaws with a strong group dynamic for the first time.
One thing Richmal Crompton often does rather well is make the reader sympathise with William's sense of despair at the hypocrisy of the adult world. I enjoyed William's attempts to follow the advice of the vicar by always telling the truth over the Christmas period, as any trouble that arose from the situation was because William was being asked leading questions to which the adults that asked them did not really want to know the truthful answers.
Apart from that it's a lot more of the same as we've had before, including yet another of William's interesting exhibitions, and an almost total facsimile of an earlier story detailing William's attempts to turn over a new leaf and "help" his family with their everyday endeavours. This has confirmed for me that it's time to take a break from these books.
I was pleased to discover that this book features quite a lot of typical boyhood adventures with the Outlaws as a foursome, just as I wished for in my last review. I find Ginger, Henry and Douglas far more believable and satisfying characters for William to interact with than anyone else in the series (including his own family) and I feel that this book really shows the Outlaws with a strong group dynamic for the first time.
One thing Richmal Crompton often does rather well is make the reader sympathise with William's sense of despair at the hypocrisy of the adult world. I enjoyed William's attempts to follow the advice of the vicar by always telling the truth over the Christmas period, as any trouble that arose from the situation was because William was being asked leading questions to which the adults that asked them did not really want to know the truthful answers.
Apart from that it's a lot more of the same as we've had before, including yet another of William's interesting exhibitions, and an almost total facsimile of an earlier story detailing William's attempts to turn over a new leaf and "help" his family with their everyday endeavours. This has confirmed for me that it's time to take a break from these books.
June 27, 2015
William strikes again - a juvenile whirlwind strewing chaos in his wake with his usual mixture of over-enthusiasm, misunderstanding of the crazy adult world, single-minded desire for revenge and, let's face it, pure naughtiness. Were he around today he would be taken into care by social services or diagnosed with ADHD & doped to the gills with Ritalin.
Instead in the 20's & 30's such behaviour seemed to strike people as being a nuisance but not hugely remarkable - people may not have been quite so sang froid in real life but I suspect that his adventures are not too far from reality - especially when I remember some of the things I got up to in the 1970's!
These may be children's stories but it is more than just nostalgia that compels me to read them again, they are beautifully written and constructed, with an almost Wodehousian skill, and are still very, very funny
Instead in the 20's & 30's such behaviour seemed to strike people as being a nuisance but not hugely remarkable - people may not have been quite so sang froid in real life but I suspect that his adventures are not too far from reality - especially when I remember some of the things I got up to in the 1970's!
These may be children's stories but it is more than just nostalgia that compels me to read them again, they are beautifully written and constructed, with an almost Wodehousian skill, and are still very, very funny
May 18, 2018
The uproarious tales of 11 year-old William Brown, his friends the outlaws (Ginger, Douglas and Henry) and the various notable members of their village somewhere in South East England. Many children will identify with William's patronising elder siblings, adults' lack of sympathy or understanding for many of the boys' games and adventures, and the fact that William's good intentions almost invariably land him in trouble - perhaps none better than his resolution to tell the truth after a vicar's Christmas sermon which results in him telling a family Christmas guest she is rather ugly! Despite the fact that these stories date from the years before, during and after WW2, many of the situations and events encountered remain comparable today; a child's life if never entirely what it seems to us adults!
September 17, 2015
Violet Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears again.
‘You do like all little girlth, don’t you?’ she persisted with quavering lip. ‘You do, don’t you?’
‘Yes, I do,’ he said hastily, ‘I do. Honest I do.’
She smiled again radiantly through her tears. ‘You with you wath a little girl, don’t you?’
‘Er – yes. Honest I do,’ said the unhappy William.
‘Kith me,’ she said raising her glowing face.
William was broken.
He brushed her cheek with his.
‘Thath not a kith,’ said Violet Elizabeth.
‘It’s my kind of a kiss,’ said William.
‘You do like all little girlth, don’t you?’ she persisted with quavering lip. ‘You do, don’t you?’
‘Yes, I do,’ he said hastily, ‘I do. Honest I do.’
She smiled again radiantly through her tears. ‘You with you wath a little girl, don’t you?’
‘Er – yes. Honest I do,’ said the unhappy William.
‘Kith me,’ she said raising her glowing face.
William was broken.
He brushed her cheek with his.
‘Thath not a kith,’ said Violet Elizabeth.
‘It’s my kind of a kiss,’ said William.
November 1, 2022
An entertaining collection of William Brown stories. While I found the book entertaining, only a few of the stories really made me laugh out loud, which was a stark contrast to the previous William books I have read.
I found the character of Violet Elizabeth Bott to be incredibly annoying, but I think this is more down to my personal taste than anything else.
However I did enjoy the majority of the stories, my favourites included:
'A Bit of Blackmail'
'The Bishop's Handkerchief'
'The Haunted House'
'An Afternoon With William'
I found the character of Violet Elizabeth Bott to be incredibly annoying, but I think this is more down to my personal taste than anything else.
However I did enjoy the majority of the stories, my favourites included:
'A Bit of Blackmail'
'The Bishop's Handkerchief'
'The Haunted House'
'An Afternoon With William'
April 17, 2009
I used to read the Still William books every sunday afternoon after church in 5th and 6th grade. They were funny then and they're funny now! I love William, he reminds me a little of myself! My sister used to fall off her bed, laughing while reading Still William! They may be children's books but their appeal goes beyond. Its a great way to unwind after a tiring week.!
December 15, 2014
The William series is one of my best childhood memories. My fiance recently gifted me this book. I relived all my memories at the age of 24 and I was in splits once again. Though classified as a childrens' book, all ages can enjoy Richmal Crompton.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews