Berry and Co.

Berry and Co., first published in 1920, is the second book in the popular Berry Pleydell series by Dornford Yates, the nom de plume of Cecil William Mercer. The stories were initially serialized in periodicals such as The Windsor Magazine, reflecting the sophisticated, witty style of English society fiction that dominated the post-World War I era. These tales were crafted to provide lighthearted escapism, focusing on the aristocratic Berry Pleydell and his extended family as they navigate humorous social mishaps and romantic entanglements in England and on the continent.

The design and tone of the collection were heavily influenced by Yates's signature blend of droll, Edwardian-inflected banter and intricate plot construction. Yates was celebrated during his time for his meticulous prose and his ability to capture a specific subset of the British upper class that was rapidly changing in the early 20th century. While contemporary critics sometimes noted the exclusivity of his characters' world, the series enjoyed immense popularity among readers who appreciated the author's precise command of language and his ability to transform mundane domestic scenarios into engaging, fast-paced comedy.