Cover of The First Rumpole Omnibus collection by Penguin Books – which I own

(16) JOHN MORTIMER –

RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY (1978 – 2007)

One of two special mention entries that originated as television screenplays subsequently adapted as books by their writer – ironically for both, I read the books first, so they had the greater impact.

In the case of Rumpole (heh), the books are from John Mortimer adapting his legal drama series (aired from 1975 to 1992, although the books continued with their own stories after the original scripts) and its titular protagonist, Horace Rumpole, barrister at law. Contrary to real life where the true heroes prosecute, Rumpole is robustly always for the defense.

On the other hand, I like that Rumpole typically tries to avoid arguing legal points and his trials are usually won on his knowledge of particular facts or cross-examination.

“Rumpole’s unhealthy personal habits, disdain for societal expectation, and general sharp-tongued iconoclasm earn him few marks among his peers or family. Despite his successes, he is something of an embarrassment to his class-conscious chambers. At home, he has to endure the well-meaning haranguing of his wife, semi-affectionately referred to by Horace as “She Who Must Be Obeyed”, a reference to the H. Rider Haggard novel She; one of Rumpole’s simple vices is a love of English literature.”

That last usually involves Rumpole quoting poetry, typically from his well-thumbed Oxford Book of English Verse from his schooldays.

Despite it being almost impossible to picture Rumpole without seeing Australian actor Leo McKern in the role, I remain far more familiar with the books as opposed to the TV series, of which I’ve only seen a few episodes.