# Edward Ponderevo — Tono-Bungay character guide > Edward Ponderevo in Tono-Bungay by H. G. Wells. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Ponderevo, Master Ponderevo, Teddy, Mr. Ponderevo, Mr. Edward Ponderevo, Poor old Teddy, little Teddy **First appearance:** 0021-i ## Snapshot A small, twinkling chemist from Wimblehurst who talks his way into a fortune, his nose growing more aggressive with every promotion he invents. ## Who they are Edward Ponderevo is George's uncle, a failed draper's assistant turned patent-medicine promoter whose energy and shamelessness make Tono-Bungay a national phenomenon. He loves his wife Susan, adores his nephew, and believes almost sincerely in the next scheme even as he sells the last one; his dyspepsia and thinning hair keep pace with his expanding enterprises. He matters because he is the engine of the book's central comedy and horror: the ordinary man whose gift for talk turns into a system of finance that no one, including him, can quite control. ## In the story ### [Book I: The Days Before Tono-Bungay Was Invented](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/book-i-the-days-before-tono-bungay-was-invented) George's uncle, a key figure in the later invention of Tono-Bungay. ### [Of Bladesover House, and My Mother; and the Constitution of Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i-of-bladesover-house-and-my-mother-and-the-constitution-of-society) George's uncle, mentioned as the future comet-like financier of Tono-Bungay. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) George's uncle and the creator of Tono-Bungay; described as a comet-like figure whose financial career soared and crashed. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) George's uncle; mentioned as the source of information about George's father. ### [Of My Launch Into the World and the Last I Saw of Bladesover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii-of-my-launch-into-the-world-and-the-last-i-saw-of-bladesover) George's uncle, who takes him on as an apprentice and arranges for him to study Latin. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) George's uncle, a chemist in Wimblehurst; energetic, eccentric, and commercially minded. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) George's uncle, a chemist in Wimblehurst who feels constrained by the town's lack of enterprise. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) Proposes George become a chemist and learn Latin; appears larger and more central in the household. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vii) Attends the funeral, frets over his trousers not arriving in time, wears an old dress-suit. ### [III: The Wimblehurst Apprenticeship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii-the-wimblehurst-apprenticeship) George's uncle; expresses frustration with Wimblehurst's stagnation, dreams of inventing and speculating, and ultimately goes bankrupt, leaving George behind. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) George's uncle, a restless chemist who dreams of escaping Wimblehurst and making a fortune through invention or market speculation. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) George's uncle, portrayed as garrulous, enterprising, and socially isolated in Wimblehurst. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) George's uncle; bankrupted himself by stock speculation; sells the shop and moves to London; tries to reassure George. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) George's uncle; his traces are effaced by Mr. Mantell; George visits him and Aunt Susan in London. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) George's uncle, a pharmacy manager who appears shabbier but remains buoyant; he shows George London. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) Edward proudly shows George London, discusses his strategic plans, and first mentions 'Tono-Bungay' as a mysterious venture. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vii) George's uncle, seen as leading a dingy life with frayed shirt-cuffs and grandiloquent promises, evasive in his replies. ### [Book II: The Rise of Tono-Bungay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/book-ii-the-rise-of-tono-bungay) Inventor and promoter of Tono-Bungay, drives the business with grand schemes. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) Recipient of George's bitter letter about money. ### [II: The Dawn Comes, and My Uncle Appears in a New Silk Hat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii-the-dawn-comes-and-my-uncle-appears-in-a-new-silk-hat) George's uncle; he appears in a new silk hat, full of enthusiasm for Tono-Bungay, and persuades George to join the enterprise. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) George's uncle; founder of Tono-Bungay, exuberant and Napoleonic in manner, offers George a job and reveals the secret of the medicine. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) George's uncle; enthusiastically defends commerce and tries to recruit George, dismissing his concerns about fraud. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) George's uncle, who pitches the Tono-Bungay venture with persuasive charm and a cynical view of the world. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) Uncle Edward arrives home singing, is eager for George's decision, and celebrates when George agrees to join the business. ### [How We Made Tono-Bungay Hum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii-how-we-made-tono-bungay-hum) The creative genius behind Tono-Bungay; he writes advertisements, conceives marketing campaigns, and drives the business expansion. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) The visionary uncle who conceives the advertising and business strategy for Tono-Bungay. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) George's uncle, the driving force behind Tono-Bungay, who revels in the commercial success and Ewart's ideas. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) George's uncle; mentioned as the recipient of George's telegram excusing himself from work. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) George's uncle, who acts as best man and provides a lavish wedding breakfast, though he seems uncertain about the marriage. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) George's uncle, whose business Tono-Bungay takes George away from home frequently. ### [The Crisis of Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/x) George's uncle, who reluctantly supports George's shift to aeronautical engineering after a confrontation. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/xi) George's uncle, whose career and promotions are the focus of the ongoing narrative. ### [Book III: The Great Days of Tono-Bungay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/book-iii-the-great-days-of-tono-bungay) Uncle and driving force behind Tono-Bungay, orchestrating its advertising and financial expansion. ### [The Hardingham Hotel, and How We Became Big People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i-the-hardingham-hotel-and-how-we-became-big-people) The 'magic uncle' who sits in the Hardingham Hotel, receives projectors, and builds a vast but fictitious fortune; described as autocratic and happy until the crash. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) The subject of the description; his appearance, habits, and mannerisms during his successful years are vividly depicted. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) Aggressive entrepreneur who partners with Moggs, creates fictional histories for products, and expands into Household Services. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) At the height of his Boom, surrounded by sycophants and schemers, minting faith and confidence, living a life of triumphal illusion. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) George's uncle; initially skeptical but later invests in the quap scheme after Capern's discovery. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) George's uncle who aggressively pursues acquisitions of medical journals and literary magazines, blending commerce with culture. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) George's uncle; views the procession as a pretext for a harangue on Tariff Reform, showing his commercial and political preoccupations. ### [Our Progress from Camden Town to Crest Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii-our-progress-from-camden-town-to-crest-hill) Uncle Edward's compulsive shopping escalates from repainting houses to buying old clocks, pictures, and furniture; he becomes a public figure, cartooned and interviewed, and eventually purchases Lady Grove and begins Crest Hill. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) Uncle Edward is depicted as a 'Pestilential old Splosher' who enthusiastically renovates the Beckenham house, painting woodwork in garish colors and naming bedrooms after heroes. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) Anxious about social gaffes at the Runcorn dinner, he declares the need to acquire 'Style' and learn upper-class manners to match their business success. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) Shown in early stages of social learning, from awe at the National Liberal Club to confident mastery; appears in motoring costume at Bexhill. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) Begins shopping violently; buys pictures, old clocks, furniture, and commissions art as part of his ascent. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) Buys Lady Grove impulsively ('snap'); plans village improvements; wears motoring goggles and gloves. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vii) The financier; experiences stupendous inflation, becomes a public figure, courted by the elite, and is the center of attention at social gatherings. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/viii) Megalomaniacal and nostalgic, dreams of returning to Wimblehurst and discusses imperial schemes like the Palestine canal. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ix) Influenced by the Napoleonic legend, engages in an affair with Mrs. Scrymgeour, and is confronted by his wife. ### [The Crest Hill Episode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/x) The central figure of the chapter, driven by a feverish desire for expansion and validation, leading to the construction of Crest Hill. ### [III: Soaring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii-soaring) George's uncle; mentioned as developing Crest Hill and discussing Lord Carnaby's aristocratic qualities. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) George's uncle; mentioned as the force behind Crest Hill and the Tono-Bungay enterprise, contrasting with George's scientific pursuits. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) George's uncle; comments on Lord Carnaby's aristocratic bearing and the concept of 'Bong-Tong.' ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) George's uncle; provided partial funding for the balloon and is interested in the prize and publicity. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as someone who can play to an imaginary audience, in contrast to George. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vii) George's uncle; his financial schemes are beginning to show instability, causing George concern. ### [How I Stole the Heaps of Quap from Mordet Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv-how-i-stole-the-heaps-of-quap-from-mordet-island) George's uncle; desperate and defiant, he pushes for the quap scheme to counter Lord Boom's attacks and save his business. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) Uncle and business partner; anxious about Lord Boom's attacks, yet defiantly committed to Crest Hill and the quap scheme. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) George's uncle; discussed in the context of the business crisis and the quap venture. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) George's uncle, whose fortunes are streaming out during the voyage, adding urgency to the expedition. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) Appears in George's dream with a cut throat, symbolizing the urgency and peril of the venture. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vii) George's uncle; his bankruptcy is announced upon George's return. ### [Book IV: The Aftermath of Tono-Bungay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/book-iv-the-aftermath-of-tono-bungay) Central figure in the Tono-Bungay enterprise, facing the consequences. ### [The Stick of the Rocket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i-the-stick-of-the-rocket) Uncle; in decline, reliant on drugs, admits to forgery, flees with George. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) Uncle; appears yellow, deflated, and reliant on drugs; broods over the business crisis and deflects George's questions. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the focus of the financial crash and Susan's concern. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii) Edward appears white-faced and weeping, having fled his examination; he confesses to being bullied by Neal and to having done something that will lead to a warrant. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iv) Uncle and fugitive; weary, cowardly, and reluctant to flee. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/v) George's uncle; lies wrapped in rugs, grumbling and occasionally rambling about his financial troubles. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vi) Ill and deteriorating; shows signs of fever, pneumonia, and mental confusion. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/vii) The dying uncle, delirious and weak, who reflects on his career, raves about Neal and the airship flight, and questions whether death ends all. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/viii) Recently deceased; his life and death are the focus of George's meditation. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ix) Deceased; remembered by his wife and nephew. ### [II: Love Among the Wreckage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii-love-among-the-wreckage) Recently deceased; George reflects on his uncle's death and the financial ruin they caused. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) Recently deceased; George recalls his uncle's death and their shared financial schemes. ### [Night and the Open Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/iii-night-and-the-open-sea) George's uncle, mentioned in the context of his 'resonant strenuous career' and Crest Hill's failure. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/i) Referenced in connection with George's industrious scheming and Crest Hill's vast cessation. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned in relation to the crusader he championed against nettles, symbolizing dead chivalry. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Uncle Ponderevo is credited with the initial sketches for the 'Health, Beauty and Strength' and 'Fog' posters, as well as a design for an influenza epidemic. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/characters/edward_ponderevo - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tono_bungay_se/characters