“The Serio-Comic Governess” is a 1923 short story by British author Israel Zangwill (1864–1926). Zangwill was a leading figure in cultural Zionism during the 19th century, as well as close friend of father of modern political Zionism, Theodor Herzl. In later life, he renounced the seeking of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. A notable portion of Zangwill’s work concentrated on ghetto life and earned him the nickname ‘the Dickens of the Ghetto’. Highly recommended for lovers of the short story form and not to be missed by fans of Zangwill’s masterful work. This classic work is being republished now in a new edition complete with an introductory chapter from “English Humourists of To-Day” by J. A. Hammerton.