My first encounter with Owen Johnson's immortal "The Lawrenceville Stories" was way back in the early 1970s, when my father's older sister gave him a copy. Even today, I remember his helpless laughter as he sat and read the book in just one or two gulps--he could scarcely put it down and got red-faced with the giggles dozens of times throughout the book. As an adult, I bought myself a copy, and it remains a treasured book. Even those who have no prep school experience will enjoy these tales of boys being boys and working so hard to avoid working that they end up working even harder than they would have had they done things by the book.

My all-time favorite piece in the book remains "The Great Pancake Record," in which shrimpy little Johnnie Smeed is found to have the most enormous appetite known to anyone at Lawrenceville--and is therefore put on display as the man who can take all comers in an ongoing pancake-eating contest at a local restaurant called Conover's. Of course he is misjudged by his slight physical appearance:

"Mr. Conover," said Hickey, in the quality of manager, "we're going after that pancake record."

"Mr. Wilkins' record?" said Conover, seeking vainly the champion in the crowd.

"No--after that record of YOURS," answered Hickey. "Thirty-two pancakes--we're here to get free pancakes today--that's what we're here for."

"So, boys, so," said Conover, smiling pleasantly; "and you want to begin now?"

"Right off the bat."

"Well, where is he?"

Little Smeed, famished to the point of tears, was thrust forward. Conover, who was expecting something along the lines of a buffalo, smiled confidently. "So, boys, so," he said, leading the way with alacrity. "I guess we're ready, too."

"Thirty-two pancakes, Conover--and we get 'em free!"

"That's right," answered Conover, secure in his knowledge of boyish capacity. "If that little boy there can eat thirty-two, I'll make them all day free to the school. That's what I said, and what I say goes--and that's what I say now."

This is my favorite of the stories, but they're ALL this good. You just can't beat Owen Johnson for understanding boys and their motives and ways, and you certainly can't beat him for giving you something to wonderful to laugh at while never making the boys seem ridiculous.

I attended the Lawrenceville School and before I matriculated, my mother bought me this book. It is a great novel based on a true school and quite a few great traditions.
If you're interested in attending the Lawrenceville School or interested in sending your child, read this book. Although the stories are a bit dated, the friendships, the loyalties, and the learning experience are still the same.
Cheers!

For anyone who hasn't read this book or seen the special episode on American Playhouse, you're missing out. This boook is full of laughs, colorful characters, and stories to delight anyone. It's refreshing to be able to read a novel that is thoroughly entertaining and well written.