Many authors regret their first book. They wish for it to disappear completely, never to be seen or heard of again, completely disassociated from any future career they might make for themselves.
Sometimes that wish is well founded.
In 1905, Lovers in London by A.A. Milne was published and it is exactly the kind of book he would rather everyone forgot about. He certainly tried to himself; he considered The Day’s Play, published in 1910, his first book. And as it is miles better than this I don’t wonder at that. But these days it is all too easy to revive even the deeply forgettable and Lovers in London is now readily available from Bello as both an e-book and a print-on-demand paperback.
So what is this relic from Milne’s youth? It’s a collection of linked short stories (sometimes it is referred to as a novel but clearly those people haven’t read it) about, you’ll be shocked to hear this, two young lovers in London. The eager young Teddy is delighted when his American godfather comes to London with his family, including his lovely daughter Amelia. Teddy, already half in love with Amelia based on her photograph, falls totally when he meets her and dedicates himself to her amusement (and wooing) with trips throughout London.
Teddy is a classic Milne young man: eager, romantic, inclined to whimsy, attempting to make a living as a writer, and terribly fond of cricket. He is someone his twenty-three-year old author was clearly comfortable writing, since he basically was Milne at this stage in his life. And Amelia is the prototypical Milne young woman, happy to go along with her suitor’s flights of whimsy and give as good as she gets, though Milne’s skills at writing women would improve greatly.
Crucially, his skills at writing would improve greatly in the years to come.
Milne had spent years writing and editing at Cambridge but when this was published hadn’t yet started his prolific career at Punch. Punch, clearly, was where he refined his skill and these stories are sloppy compared to the clever economy of the excellent pieces he would write for the magazine over the coming years. Some of the stories in this collection ramble terribly – Milne was a master of witty rambling but hadn’t yet managed the witty part at this stage – and Teddy indulges in far too frequent (and occasionally incoherent) fantasies about how he could impress Amelia. In such a short book, so much repetition grates. Teddy, as our narrator, express his own (and his author’s) opinion on how the book is going at one point:
Most of my stories have a way of avoiding anything that approximates to a plot. They do this of their own intention, not regarding the wishes of the author. Often have I longed, regretfully, in the retrospect for a plot.
The good news is that Milne would, eventually, find out how to write both with and without a plot and do it delightfully. He just wouldn’t figure it out for a few more years.
As a Milne completist, I’m glad I read this. It’s a fascinating step in his evolution as a writer. However, on its own, it simply doesn’t have much merit. (I will note that Simon read it back in 2012 and had kinder things to say.)
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The Captive Reader 
I’ve been longing to read some AA Milne like those I have seen you and Simon blog about in the past. I had noticed that Bello had reissued some – but where to start? I’m assuming not this one. Though I’m rather fond (in a general way) of linked short stories.
Of the Bello releases, I’d recommend starting with either Milne’s autobiography (It’s Too Late Now) or, if you’d prefer his fiction, Mr Pim Passes By. Both are wonderful. The rest of their Milne offerings are a bit second rate.
OK, thanks for the tip.
I read this just last week and knew Milne didn’t think much of it so I didn’t have high expectations. I agree with your thoughts on the book. The stories are almost vignettes, some better than others, and the proposal at the end was charming. Of the four Milnes I’ve read, I liked Mr Pim the best. I have five more on my To Read shelf.
Mr Pim is very worthy of being your favourite! Out of curiosity, did you read the play or the novel?
I read the novel, an old second edition published by Hodder and Stoughton. It was a delight! I’ve also read Two People published by Capuchin Classics and The Red House Mystery published by Vintage Books. To read, I have old editions of The Day’s Play, If I May, Four Days’ Wonder, and Chloe Marr and a 1988 edition of Once on a Time. Many thanks to you and to Simon for introducing me to these wonderful books.
I love Once on a Time and The Day’s Play! Happy reading.
I recently read Four Days Wonder and found it delightful and fluffy. I have always like the The Red House Mystery, which I have read a few times as a classic mystery novel. Thank you for your comments on this other Milne book!
You’re very welcome! There is so much fun to be had with Milne’s many books and plays that I love sharing my thoughts about them.
is this one you’ll be keeping on your shelves, either as an ebook or a paper book?
Ooo, that’s a difficult question. As part of my Milne collection, I’d probably keep it. On it’s own merits, no.
I’m hoping I can track this down. Thanks for the update
You’re welcome! It’s readily available from Bello right now so should be easy for you to find a copy, either electronic or print.
I read this when published, but didn’t comment – as you saw, I was rather more a fan of it – but I think even the faintest whiff of Milne’s style and I’m sold. Except for Chloe Marr, sadly. (I can’t remember what you think of that one?)
But I’m loving the comment section, and seeing all the enthusiasm for trying or keeping reading our AAM!
It’s exciting to see how many people are interested in reading A.A.M., isn’t it? Back in 2012, the majority of my Milne posts only had one person commenting on them: you!
I haven’t read Chloe Marr yet, nor have I been rushing to do so having never heard anything particularly good about it. I’m actually quite behind when it comes to his novels and plan to work on that for ACOB this year.