The Diary of a Nobody begins serialization in Punch

Background. George and Weedon Grossmith, sons of a court reporter, pursued successful careers on the stage before collaborating. George was a music hall comedian and Gilbert and Sullivan star, while Weedon studied art and became a comic actor. Their collaboration on The Diary of a Nobody began with amusing columns written for Punch in 1888–89, which were later expanded into a novel.

Serialization. The Diary of a Nobody originated as an intermittent serial in Punch magazine in 1888–89. The first of the 26 instalments was announced in the issue of 26 May 1888 with a brief editorial note. The serialisation ended in May 1889 with the diary entry for 21 March, recording a minor triumph for the character Lupin.

Publication. In 1892, the brothers collaborated to expand the series of amusing columns they had written in 1888–89 for Punch. The Diary of a Nobody was published as a novel with extended text and added illustrations by Weedon. It has never been out of print since its initial book form appearance.