Justin Thyme

The title of this book should have been that of its main story: “Dick Nerdsford and Co.” But Dick is the least interesting of its three main characters, and agreeing that such is the case, he gladly stepped back into the background. And Basil Basil-Basil, in a more than friendly gesture, stepped back with him. That left Justin Thyme to bask in eponymity—which frightened his shyness so much that his feet grew numb and he felt damp under his arms.

Basil’s mother, Rosemary, would have been quite comfortable as our central character, in a sort of sons-and-lovers role. But she wasn’t asked. Nor was the requisite American in our story, Dona Nobis. In our discussions of a title for this story Dona had offered “Peace at Nether Wallop,” which (as we shall see) could have been appropriate.

Dick Nerdsford was not involved in the discussion of this book’s title, though he is one of its central characters. He would not have thought of himself as such, but Basil did, and so did Basil’s mother.