May 26, 2005

The Adventures of Biggles. Major James Bigglesworth, generally known as Biggles, was a fictional character created by Captain W.E. Johns in the 1930s. Chronicling his own WWI experiences, Johns went on to write almost 100 stories about Biggles, including WWII and peace time adventures as well. If you're interested in learning more about Biggles, why not try the International Biggles Association, or a complete illustrated list of all stories, including plot summaries? Or perhaps Monty Python's take on Biggles is more your style.

While nearly every title catches my fancy, my favourites must be Biggles Gets His Men, Biggles Cuts It Fine, Biggles Flies North (with a visit to Camp Beaver), and of course the classic Biggles Takes It Rough.

posted by livii 18 years ago
  • I think our schoolyard joke was 'Biggles Flies Undone' though truth to tell I've never read one of the books. will enjoy exploring these, thanks livii.
  • Ximinez: Now, old woman -- you are accused of heresy on three counts -- heresy by thought, heresy by word, heresy by deed, and heresy by action -- *four* counts. Do you confess? Wilde: I don't understand what I'm accused of. Ximinez: "Ha! Then we'll make you understand! Biggles! Fetch...THE CUSHIONS!" [JARRING CHORD]
  • Lemon curry?
  • Hiya Livii! I first came across Biggles from Monty Python (wasn't there another sketch where someone goes "I'm having trouble understanding your banter!") But funnily enough I didn't know it was based on a real fictional character until much later. I still think that Biggles is one of the funniest names ever. Right up there with Gumby.
  • ...oh, and maybe they should update the stories: Biggles starts a Blog Biggles bids on e-Bay
  • Lovely post, livii!! Biggles Delivers the Goods!
  • livii, some of those book jackets have a fearfully familiar look, though I can't say I recall reading any of 'em. Will keep an eye out for any of these -- thanks!
  • I'd never heard of Biggles until today, but I was immediately hooked. I'm even avoiding reading through all of the summaries so that I can read the actual books some day! Glad you all liked it as well. I agree that Biggles is a hilarious name, and want to make it my nickname. I'm off to a good start given that the name I appendixed to the end of mine when I got married is Biggs. Oh, and love the updating; how about Biggles Starts A Flame War, Biggles Fights Filesharers, and of course, Biggles Discovers Internet Porn.
  • Biggles Discovers Internet Porn Biggles Flies Undone
  • *smile* Capt. W.E. John's Biggles takes me back to the (very) dim dark days of my preteen reading obsessions. Thanks livii.
  • I say, the book jackets are wizard! As are Cap'n Johns' own illustrations.
  • I say, Algie!
  • Biggles Pisses All Over Himself Due To Irritable Bladder Syndrome
  • Wee, Biggles?
  • In these days of strife amidst Johnny Turk, it's only the derring do of Biggles and chums that will save the day. Though I've always been a bit suspect about that Ginger fellow. Rum, I say. The film is really *really* bad: it kinda goes full circle and becomes really good. Although the border in my head between Biggles and Lord Flashheart is slipping. "Treat your kite like you treat your women..." Flashboy, I believe you'll know the next line
  • But does this answer "Where the hell was Biggles, when you needed him last Saturday(and where are all the sportsmen who always pull you through?"
  • Glad you liked it, peacay. And DangerIsMyMiddleName, I'm on the lookout for the film - I love stuff that is so bad it becomes good. Oh and Chy, you're such a barrel of laughs. Go fuck off, why don't you? There's a good lad.
  • Smoochie booches
  • Biggles: (puts on antlers) Now, when I've got these antlers on - when I've got these antlers on I am dictating and when I take them off (takes them off) I am not dictating. i heart biggles!
  • "Top-hole. Bally Jerry, pranged his kite right in the how's your father. Hairy blighter, dicky-birdied, feathered back on his Sammy, took a waspy, flipped over on his Betty Harper's and caught his can in the Bertie."
  • Something up with my banter, chaps?
  • Biggles, the board book series, ages 1 and up: Biggles Needs a Hug Biggles' Special Day Biggles Lost His Bear Biggles Makes a New Friend
  • Briank, Chyren: That's it! That's the Monty Python episode. But sadly it turns out it's about a Squiffy and not a Biggles. Although it could easily pass for a Biggles. Biggles Fights File Sharing? Absolutely. Biggles Losing his Bear? - ah, so heartrending. And now, Biggles - the management series: The Power of Biggles Ten Leadership Secrets of Biggles Who Moved my Biggles?
  • Biggles, the self-help line: Understanding Biggles The Dance of Biggles The Biggles Solution I'm Biggles, You're Biggles Biggles is from Mars, Biggles is from Venus The Joy of Biggles Biggles Who Love Too Much
  • Men are from Mars, Biggles is from the RAF
  • ...because Biggles can't be from Mars *and* Venus
  • ...and for those who don't have the time. The Pocket Biggles Biggles at a Glance
  • Biggles gets a Sex Change. Biggles jacks off a Horse.
  • Biggles learns to fly a Bra.
  • Biggles earns his pay Biggles has an off-day Biggles make hay (Sorry, sort of in a Suessian mood) Biggles makes it Big
  • Ooh, how about crossover genres? Biggles versus Mothra Biggles versus the Smog Monster Biggles versus MechaBiggles