What do you think?
Rate this book
Just William #9
William the Good
Clarence Bergson had the audacity to attack an innocent dog (owner, one William Brown), inform on William's band of Outlaws and worst of all befriend Miss Holding (the girl of William's dreams). That called for retribution and justice.
252 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1928
About the author
Richmal Crompton
274 books175 followersRichmal Crompton Lamburn was initially trained as a schoolmistress but later became a popular English writer, best known for her Just William series of books, humorous short stories, and to a lesser extent adult fiction books.
Crompton's fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them. This is best seen in her depiction of children as puzzled onlookers of society's ways. Nevertheless, the children, particularly William and his Outlaws, almost always emerge triumphant.
Crompton's fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them. This is best seen in her depiction of children as puzzled onlookers of society's ways. Nevertheless, the children, particularly William and his Outlaws, almost always emerge triumphant.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 16, 2023
ENGLISH: Ninth collection of William's adventures. Some of them are funnier than others. The one I liked most was "Parrots for Ethel," which is hilarious, and its remembrance made me laugh in bed after turning the light off.
ESPAÑOL: Novena colección de aventuras de William. Algunas son más divertidas que las otras. La que más me gustó fue "Loros para Ethel", que es desternillante y su recuerdo me hizo reír en la cama después de apagar la luz.
ESPAÑOL: Novena colección de aventuras de William. Algunas son más divertidas que las otras. La que más me gustó fue "Loros para Ethel", que es desternillante y su recuerdo me hizo reír en la cama después de apagar la luz.
September 17, 2021
These are great stories of a young boy in pre- and post-war England. When I was young, they gripped me so well that I learned to read with this series of books. And they have aged well. Still enjoyable to read.
November 21, 2024
Midway between a 3 and a 4 star book. I did enjoy all of the stories except William and the Archers which went on too long. As usual the Brown family suffer under William's machinations but although he is often down he always comes out on top!
May 31, 2025
The stories of Ethel’s parrots and the circus lion were very funny.
June 20, 2020
A somewhat disappointing collection of 'Just William' stories. I only really liked a few of them.
My favourites were:
William the Great Actor
William the Avenger
Parrots For Ethel
One Good Turn
As I've said not my favourite collection, perhaps I am a bit 'Just William'd' out so am going to take a break.
My favourites were:
William the Great Actor
William the Avenger
Parrots For Ethel
One Good Turn
As I've said not my favourite collection, perhaps I am a bit 'Just William'd' out so am going to take a break.
December 7, 2019
Of course 5 stars. This evergreen children's classic can make even a 40 something like myself laugh.
William The Good. He has flu and a book tells him of an angelic child who saves his relative from drink and thievery. So naturally Ethel (William's elder sister) is one of those. Really funny.
William The Great Actor. He helps in a Christmas play but his "help" is his way!
William And The Archers. William and the Outlaws and kiddy friends must save England from Invaders.
William The Money Maker. How William cons Ethel into giving him some money to buy the best cricket stumps. Really funny as well.
William The Avenger. William and the Outlaws must avenge some slights by an unwelcome guest in his village. "One of the jolliest vengeances they'd ever had".
Parrots for Ethel. Ethel's suitors bring parrots to win her. But much confusion reigns.
One Good Turn. William helps his brother.
William's Lucky Day. William helps his school by getting the Great Man to give them two half-holidays. All's well that ends well.
A Little Adventure. Ginger's aunt's parrot flies away and they try to catch some burglars. As usual, there's more to this than meets the eye.
Nice book. I enjoyed reading it.
William The Good. He has flu and a book tells him of an angelic child who saves his relative from drink and thievery. So naturally Ethel (William's elder sister) is one of those. Really funny.
William The Great Actor. He helps in a Christmas play but his "help" is his way!
William And The Archers. William and the Outlaws and kiddy friends must save England from Invaders.
William The Money Maker. How William cons Ethel into giving him some money to buy the best cricket stumps. Really funny as well.
William The Avenger. William and the Outlaws must avenge some slights by an unwelcome guest in his village. "One of the jolliest vengeances they'd ever had".
Parrots for Ethel. Ethel's suitors bring parrots to win her. But much confusion reigns.
One Good Turn. William helps his brother.
William's Lucky Day. William helps his school by getting the Great Man to give them two half-holidays. All's well that ends well.
A Little Adventure. Ginger's aunt's parrot flies away and they try to catch some burglars. As usual, there's more to this than meets the eye.
Nice book. I enjoyed reading it.
August 10, 2022
Noveno libro de las aventuras de Guillermo. Lo notable en este libro es que hay bastante protagonismo de los hermanos de Guillermo: Ethel y Robert. En la historia Guillermo el bueno, que da título al libro, a causa de un refriado y una botella de jarabe para la tos hacen pensar a Guillermo que Ethel se ha dado a la bebida, y se pone manos a la obra para salvar a su hermana. En Cotorras para Ethel los dos hermanos mayores de Ginger y Douglas se enamoran perdidamente de la pelirroja de ojos azules, para vergüenza de sus hermanos, intentan regalarle unas cotorras. En Favor con favor se paga Robert le regala a Guillermo un magnífico penacho de plumas de jefe indio, Guillermo intenta corresponderle librándolo de un tío filatélico que obstruye los acercamientos amorosos de Robert a su prima Flavia... a Robert no se le deberá ningún favor. Para mi gusto, mejor que los demás
May 29, 2024
A great classic of children's literature, William Brown embodies boyish mischief. He is impervious to adult logic and lives only to have fun and let his imagination roam free. He won't be bullied or shamed into behaving as proper boys should. But, even though his long-suffering relatives are often unable to appreciate it, he has his own sense of honor.
The confusion and chaos caused by William and his friends, sometimes unwittingly and sometimes on purpose, are always funny. The Just William stories are basically following a set of similar formulas, but they are very effective: all the follies and ridiculousness of the adult world are exposed when they are near the destructive force of nature that is William & co. The stories work for both child and adult readers. Really funny to lose myself in William's world and William's logic.
The confusion and chaos caused by William and his friends, sometimes unwittingly and sometimes on purpose, are always funny. The Just William stories are basically following a set of similar formulas, but they are very effective: all the follies and ridiculousness of the adult world are exposed when they are near the destructive force of nature that is William & co. The stories work for both child and adult readers. Really funny to lose myself in William's world and William's logic.
August 24, 2019
I used to read William as a child. Recently spotted this at the library and read it again. Such an enjoyable experience. Even as an adult, I laughed out loud and was able to be just as engaged as I was when at school. Loved it! Going to get more of the series soon!
May 13, 2017
Fantastic.
May 27, 2017
Fortunately there are some fairly fresh ideas in this one, including some good use of other Outlaw siblings in addition to Ethel and Robert.
September 10, 2021
Fantastic as ever.
October 18, 2025
Crompton was a great comic writer. Parrots for Ethel is one of the best stories, but many others have great lines too. Thomas Henry's illustrations are always such a treat.
February 15, 2026
Brilliant book, love Just William!! 😁
January 25, 2017
Was given this book as a child, this character is hard to hate.,
April 3, 2024
Diving back into the world of "William the Good" by Richmal Crompton, we are treated to the inexhaustible shenanigans of William Brown - a boy whose knack for mischief is as legendary as his tousled hair and snub nose. This collection, part of a series delighting readers since 1922, continues to capture the hilarity of childhood escapades.
In this riotous compilation, William faces off against Clarence Bergson, the thorn in his side. Clarence, quite unwittingly, becomes a rival in William's imaginative and often haphazard plans. Whether it's trying to impress the charming Miss Holding or outwitting Clarence, William's efforts are a masterclass in how not to behave. The result is a laugh-out-loud series of events that only William could orchestrate.
Crompton's skill lies in her ability to weave tales that are as timeless as they are funny. Her portrayal of William's earnest but misguided attempts to 'be good' is a delightful satire of the adult world through a child's eyes. Each story in the collection stands on its own, yet together they paint a vivid picture of William's world - a place where the simplest intentions often lead to the most uproarious outcomes.
The charm of "William the Good" is not just in the misadventures themselves, but in the vivid world Crompton creates. From the idyllic English village setting to the lively descriptions of William and his band of 'Outlaws,' the book transports us into a world where the stakes are low but the laughs are plenty. The illustrations by Thomas Henry perfectly capture the spirit of the stories, adding an extra layer of humor and nostalgia.
In summary, "William the Good" is not just a collection of children's stories; it's a hilarious ride through the ups and downs of being a boy with too much imagination and not enough foresight. William, in all his mischievous glory, remains a beloved figure in literature, and this book is a shining example of why his antics have stood the test of time. Whether you're revisiting childhood memories or discovering William for the first time, this book is guaranteed to leave you with a smile and a gentle reminder of the joys of youthful mischief.
In this riotous compilation, William faces off against Clarence Bergson, the thorn in his side. Clarence, quite unwittingly, becomes a rival in William's imaginative and often haphazard plans. Whether it's trying to impress the charming Miss Holding or outwitting Clarence, William's efforts are a masterclass in how not to behave. The result is a laugh-out-loud series of events that only William could orchestrate.
Crompton's skill lies in her ability to weave tales that are as timeless as they are funny. Her portrayal of William's earnest but misguided attempts to 'be good' is a delightful satire of the adult world through a child's eyes. Each story in the collection stands on its own, yet together they paint a vivid picture of William's world - a place where the simplest intentions often lead to the most uproarious outcomes.
The charm of "William the Good" is not just in the misadventures themselves, but in the vivid world Crompton creates. From the idyllic English village setting to the lively descriptions of William and his band of 'Outlaws,' the book transports us into a world where the stakes are low but the laughs are plenty. The illustrations by Thomas Henry perfectly capture the spirit of the stories, adding an extra layer of humor and nostalgia.
In summary, "William the Good" is not just a collection of children's stories; it's a hilarious ride through the ups and downs of being a boy with too much imagination and not enough foresight. William, in all his mischievous glory, remains a beloved figure in literature, and this book is a shining example of why his antics have stood the test of time. Whether you're revisiting childhood memories or discovering William for the first time, this book is guaranteed to leave you with a smile and a gentle reminder of the joys of youthful mischief.
September 17, 2015
He did not at first see Ginger’s brother Hector who had come round to the side of the house looking pale and distraught.
‘This is terrible news,’ began Hector.
William was touched. Somehow he hadn’t expected this kindness, this understanding, from Hector.
‘Yes, isn’t it,’ he acquiesced despondently, ‘terrible.’
‘She seemed all right yesterday,’ continued Hector.
‘She was,’ affirmed William, ‘she was quite all right yesterday. I think it was eatin’ those berries.’
‘What berries?’ said the young man.
‘Those berries Ginger gave her.’
‘D – did Ginger give her some berries?’ stammered Hector aghast.
‘Yes – all sorts of different coloured kinds of berries what he found about the garden. And she ate them all.’
The horror of the young man is indescribable. That his young brother – his young brother should be the cause of it. . . .
‘B-but,’ he stammered, ‘I – I heard in the village it was measles.’
‘No,’ said William, ‘it’s worse than measles. She’s dead. She died in the night.’
‘What?’ screamed the young man.
‘She’s dead,’ said William, somewhat flattered if a little surprised by the deep emotion shown by the visitor. ‘When Ginger ’n’ me came to clean out her cage this mornin’ we found her dead.'
‘Clean out her c—! What the dickens are you talking about?’
‘Our mouse,’ said William simply; ‘weren’t you?’
The visitor obviously controlled himself with an effort.
‘No,’ he said with venomous coldness, ‘I was talking about your sister Ethel.’
‘Oh, Ethel,’ said William carelessly. ‘Oh no, it’s not measles. It’s somethin’ else. I’ve forgotten its name.’
Again anxiety clouded the young man’s brow.
‘This is terrible news,’ began Hector.
William was touched. Somehow he hadn’t expected this kindness, this understanding, from Hector.
‘Yes, isn’t it,’ he acquiesced despondently, ‘terrible.’
‘She seemed all right yesterday,’ continued Hector.
‘She was,’ affirmed William, ‘she was quite all right yesterday. I think it was eatin’ those berries.’
‘What berries?’ said the young man.
‘Those berries Ginger gave her.’
‘D – did Ginger give her some berries?’ stammered Hector aghast.
‘Yes – all sorts of different coloured kinds of berries what he found about the garden. And she ate them all.’
The horror of the young man is indescribable. That his young brother – his young brother should be the cause of it. . . .
‘B-but,’ he stammered, ‘I – I heard in the village it was measles.’
‘No,’ said William, ‘it’s worse than measles. She’s dead. She died in the night.’
‘What?’ screamed the young man.
‘She’s dead,’ said William, somewhat flattered if a little surprised by the deep emotion shown by the visitor. ‘When Ginger ’n’ me came to clean out her cage this mornin’ we found her dead.'
‘Clean out her c—! What the dickens are you talking about?’
‘Our mouse,’ said William simply; ‘weren’t you?’
The visitor obviously controlled himself with an effort.
‘No,’ he said with venomous coldness, ‘I was talking about your sister Ethel.’
‘Oh, Ethel,’ said William carelessly. ‘Oh no, it’s not measles. It’s somethin’ else. I’ve forgotten its name.’
Again anxiety clouded the young man’s brow.
February 4, 2017
I am a fan of the William books and really enjoy the audio versions where the narrator captures the voices and tones of the characters. This volume continues the excellent tradition of audio work produced by the BBC. Martin Jarvis is a superior narrator and I had a lot of fun listening to the CD. What struck me most about the book was how much life has changed for children. William and his friends, who are all preteens go off by themselves for hours and their parents not only don't worry where they are but expect them to be independent and entertain themselves in the countryside. Also William for the most part has no malice about him, he has the best intentions and it just does not work out the way he intended, this in very different from the people today (children and adults). Take some time and read (or listen to) a throwback to how life was in more innocent, gentler times, you will be glad you did
Read
June 18, 2011So far this book is cute and funny. It is interesting to read a book from a different area in the world as characters come otu realyl differently based on cultural differences. I have been enjoying eilliams exploits so far..and loved it untill the end a very funny book remindin
December 13, 2025
Still Good After A Hundred Years
I loved William books as a child in the 60s, but seeing them through an adult's eyes, I not only appreciate the humor, but also the look back to another era.
I loved William books as a child in the 60s, but seeing them through an adult's eyes, I not only appreciate the humor, but also the look back to another era.
April 21, 2011
pretty much too much :) loved it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews