Best Selling Books by Evelyn Waugh

Collected for the first time in a single volume: all of the short fiction by one of the 20th century''s wittiest and most trenchant observers of the human comedy.

Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh is a classic satirical novel that explores the themes of societal decay, corruption, and the absurdity of the British upper class. Published in 1928, the novel follows the journey of Paul Pennyfeather, a naive and innocent young man, as he navigates through the hypocritical world of Oxford University, the decadent London society, and ultimately, his downfall. The novel is set in the aftermath of World War I, a time of great social, political, and economic upheaval in Britain. Waugh''s use of satire, sharp wit, and dark humor sheds light on the absurdity and shallowness of the British elite and their crumbling institutions. Through the character of Paul Pennyfeather, Waugh exposes the corruption, greed, and immorality of those in positions of power. The first part of the novel takes place at Scone College, Oxford, where Paul is studying for his degree in theology. However, his studies are cut short when he is unfairly expelled after becoming the victim of a prank by the Bollinger Club, a group of wealthy and influential students. This event marks the beginning of Paul''s decline and fall as he is forced to make a living by taking up various odd jobs. In the second part of the novel, Paul finds himself in the company of the eccentric and wealthy Mrs. Margot Beste-Chetwynde, who takes him on as a tutor for her son. Mrs. Beste-Chetwynde is a symbol of the decadence and corruption of the upper class, as she uses her power and money to manipulate those around her. Paul becomes entangled in her web of deceit and is eventually sent to prison for forgery and fraud. The final part of the novel sees Paul''s release from prison and his eventual reunion with Margot at a lavish party. However, the reunion is short-lived as Paul discovers Margot''s true intentions and the extent of her corruption. He decides to expose her, resulting in her downfall and his own redemption. Through the character of Paul Pennyfeather, Waugh provides a scathing commentary on the British society and its values. The novel is a critique of the privileged and their sense of entitlement, their lack of moral values, and their disregard for the consequences of their actions. Waugh''s use of dark humor and satire effectively highlights the absurdity of the upper class and their crumbling world. Furthermore, Decline and Fall also explores the theme of identity and the struggle to find one''s place in a society that is rapidly changing. Paul''s journey from a naive and innocent young man to a hardened and disillusioned adult reflects the loss of innocence and the disintegration of traditional values in the post-war era. Decline and Fall is a thought-provoking and timely novel that provides a scathing critique of the British upper class and its decline. Waugh''s sharp wit, dark humor, and clever satire make this a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the themes of societal decay, corruption, and the struggle for identity.

Brideshead Revisited harkens back to the perceived ''golden age'' prior to World War II. In these halcyon days, Charles Ryder is infatuated with the Marchmains and the rapidly-disappearing world of privilege they inhabit. Enchanted first by Sebastian at Oxford, then by his doomed Catholic family, in particular his remote sister, Julia, Charles comes finally to recognize only his spiritual and social distance from them.

Selected by Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of the century, this "absolutely delightful" novel (New York Times) movingly and comically chronicles the breakdown of a marriage and the disintegration of English society in the years after World War I. After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last has grown bored with life at Hetton Abbey, the Gothic mansion that is the pride and joy of her husband, Tony. She drifts into an affair with the shallow socialite John Beaver and forsakes Tony for the Belgravia set. In a novel that combines tragedy, comedy, and savage irony, Evelyn Waugh indelibly captures the irresponsible mood of the "crazy and sterile generation" between the wars.

Fueled by idealism and eagerness to contribute to the war effort, Guy Crouchback becomes attached to a commando unit undergoing training on the Hebridean isle of Mugg, where the whisky flows freely and respect must be paid to the laird. But the comedy of Mugg is soon followed by the bitterness of Crete, where chaos reigns and a difficult evacuation must be accomplished.—Goodreads.com.

William Boot, a young man who lives in genteel poverty, far from the iniquities of London, contributes nature notes to Lord Copper’s Daily Beast, a national daily newspaper. He is dragooned into becoming a foreign correspondent, when the editors mistake him for John Courtney Boot, a fashionable novelist and a remote cousin. He is sent to Ishmaelia, a fictional state in East Africa, to report on the crisis there. Lord Copper believes it “a very promising little war” and proposes “to give it fullest publicity”. Despite his total ineptitude, Boot accidentally gets the journalistic “scoop” of the title. When he returns, the credit goes to the other Boot and William is left to return to his bucolic pursuits, much to his relief.

Satirisk roman om engelsk overklasseliv

In "Put Out More Flags," Evelyn Waugh presents a satirical examination of British society on the brink of World War II, delving into themes of disillusionment, moral decay, and the absurdities of war. The novel unfolds with Waugh''s signature wit and sharp prose, characterized by a blend of irony and dark humor that critiques the complacency of the upper classes. Set against the backdrop of impending conflict, Waugh sketches a vivid tableau of characters whose superficial pursuits masquerade as patriotism while revealing the true hollowness of their values. The text exemplifies Waugh''s early exploration of the tensions between artifice and authenticity, contributing significantly to the literary tradition of social satire. Evelyn Waugh, a prominent figure in 20th-century literature, was profoundly shaped by his experiences during the interwar period and his disillusionment with contemporary British culture. His keen observations of elite society stem from his own background and experiences, including his time at Oxford and his journey as a correspondent during the Second World War. "Put Out More Flags," written in 1942, reflects his personal responses to the chaotic world around him, illustrating his belief in the necessity of artistic integrity amidst societal turmoil. This novel is essential for readers seeking a vivid portrayal of the British psyche during a time of upheaval. Waugh''s masterful storytelling and satirical lens make it an enduring critique of the era and a compelling read for those interested in the intricate interplay between society and the looming specter of war. Whether you are a scholar of modern literature or a casual reader, "Put Out More Flags" offers a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of human nature and cultural identity. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author''s life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "The End of the Battle" by Evelyn Waugh. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

"A work of art as rich and subtle and unnerving as anything [Waugh] has ever done," satirizing 1940s California and the Anglo-American cultural divide ( New Yorker). Following the death of a friend, the poet and pets'' mortician Dennis Barlow finds himself entering the artificial Hollywood paradise of the Whispering Glades Memorial Park. Within its golden gates, death, American-style, is wrapped up and sold like a package holiday—and Dennis gets drawn into a bizarre love triangle with Aimée Thanatogenos, a naïve Californian corpse beautician, and Mr. Joyboy, a master of the embalmer''s art. Waugh''s dark and savage satire depicts a world where reputation, love, and death cost a very great deal. "Fiendishly entertaining."— New York Times "As a piece of writing it is nearly faultless; as satire it is an act of devastation." — The New Republic "Mr. Waugh''s treatment of his macabre material is uninhibited, and wickedly funny . . . as sadistic, playful, and decisive as a cat''s paw on a mouse." ―Alice S. Morris, New York Times Book Review

Travel in Africa,the English aristocracy,the bungling and courage of military life,post-1945 America, all these are favourable sites for the diaries of one of the harshest and funniest English novelists of this century.

Black Mischief was Evelyn Waugh’s third novel, published in 1932. The novel chronicles the efforts of the English-educated Emperor Seth, assisted by a fellow Oxford graduate, Basil Seal, to modernize his Empire, the fictional African island of Azania, located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Hilarity ensues from the issuance of homemade currency, the staging of a “Birth Control Gala,” the rightful ruler’s demise at his own rather long and tiring coronation ceremonies, and a good deal more mischief.

In "The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold," Evelyn Waugh crafts a darkly comedic narrative that navigates the tumultuous psyche of its protagonist, an author grappling with the disquieting weight of his own imagination. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Britain, Waugh employs an incisive literary style that melds realism and absurdity, echoing the existential crises of his time. The novel deftly explores themes of mental instability, societal alienation, and the artistic process, inviting readers into the labyrinthine thoughts of Pinfold as he confronts both external and internal demons during a tumultuous sea voyage. Evelyn Waugh, an eminent figure in 20th-century literature, drew upon his own experiences with mental health struggles and the nuances of literary fame. Known for his sharp wit and acerbic social commentary, Waugh''s work often grappled with the tensions between personal identity and public persona, making Pinfold''s journey a semi-autobiographical reflection of the author''s own endeavors and anxieties. This novel is a must-read for those intrigued by the complexities of the human mind and the often chaotic interplay between reality and fiction. Waugh''s exploration of Pinfold''s plight resonates with anyone who has faced the daunting challenges of self-perception and the expectations of society, making it an enduring and compelling literary work. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author''s life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Brideshead Revisited is Evelyn Waugh''s stunning novel of duty and desire set amongst the decadent, faded glory of the English aristocracy in the run-up to the Second World War. The most nostalgic and reflective of Evelyn Waugh''s novels, Brideshead Revisited looks back to the golden age before the Second World War. It tells the story of Charles Ryder''s infatuation with the Marchmains and the rapidly disappearing world of privilege they inhabit. Enchanted first by Sebastian Flyte at Oxford, then by his doomed Catholic family, in particular his remote sister, Julia, Charles comes finally to recognise his spiritual and social distance from them. Evelyn Waugh (1903-66) was born in Hampstead, second son of Arthur Waugh, publisher and literary critic, and brother of Alec Waugh, the popular novelist. In 1928 he published his first work, a life of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and his first novel, Decline and Fall, which was soon followed by Vile Bodies (1930), A Handful of Dust (1934) and Scoop (1938). In 1939 he was commissioned in the Royal Marines and later transferred to the Royal Horse Guards, serving in the Middle East and in Yugoslavia. In 1942 he published Put Out More Flags and then in 1945 Brideshead Revisited. Men at Arms (1952) was the first volume of ''The Sword of Honour'' trilogy, and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize; the other volumes, Officers and Gentlemen and Unconditional Surrender, followed in 1955 and 1961. If you enjoyed Brideshead Revisited, you might like Waugh''s Vile Bodies, also available in Penguin Classics. ''Lush and evocative ... Expresses at once the profundity of change and the indomitable endurance of the human spirit'' The Times

"An eminently readable comedy of modern war" from the acclaimed English satirist follows the travails of a British aristocrat-turned-soldier during WWII ( New York Times ). Guy Crouchback, determined to get into the war, takes a commission in the Royal Corps of Halberdiers. His spirits high, he sees all the trimmings but none of the action. And his first campaign, an abortive affair on the West African coastline, ends with an escapade that seriously blots his Halberdier copybook. Men at Arms is the first novel in Evelyn Waugh''s brilliant Sword of Honor trilogy. "The finest work of fiction in English to emerge from World War II" — Atlantic Monthly "To Waugh—and to the reader, after Waugh has waved his magic wand of characterization—mediocrity seems not only a human condition but a fascinating one." — TIME