David Nobbs, 1935-2015

“Writer David Nobbs, best known for creating the television character Reginald Perrin, has died, the British Humanist Association has said. Nobbs, 80, from Ripon, North Yorkshire, also wrote for The Two Ronnies, Ken Dodd, Frankie Howerd and Radio 4’s The Maltby Collection. The creator of The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin also wrote 20 novels.”
 — It’s probably right that Reginald Perrin is the first line in his obituary, but Nobbs’ Henry Pratt character is a sweeter, warmer and more human creation, without sacrificing any of the humor that made Perrin so delightful. You can pick up a cheap omnibus of the first three Henry Pratt books here; the first three Perrin books are here. I’m not sure where to find the television series but I don’t doubt if you’re clever enough it is streaming somewhere. Nobbs was 80.