Agents and Patients. Illustrated

Agents and Patients is a witty and biting comedy of manners that showcases Anthony Powell’s sharp eye for the absurdities of human behavior. Set against the backdrop of 1930s London, the novel follows the misadventures of Blore-Smith, a wealthy but gullible young man whose naivety makes him an easy target for the opportunists of high society.

Blore-Smith’s life takes a chaotic turn when he becomes entangled with two charming yet unscrupulous individuals: the flashy and manipulative author Maltravers and the scheming filmmaker Chips Lovell. As they exploit his wealth to fund their artistic and social ambitions, Blore-Smith finds himself drawn into a whirlwind of extravagant parties, dubious schemes, and romantic entanglements. Amid the glamour and deceit, Powell deftly explores the themes of manipulation, self-interest, and the fragile boundaries between friendship and exploitation.

With its vivid characterizations, ironic humor, and incisive commentary on human folly, Agents and Patients is a sparkling satire of prewar society. Powell’s prose is both elegant and acerbic, painting a vivid portrait of a world where ambition often triumphs over morality.

This early novel by Powell is a masterclass in social observation and a precursor to the themes he would later expand upon in his celebrated A Dance to the Music of Time series. Agents and Patients is a delightful exploration of human relationships, capturing both their absurdity and poignancy with Powell’s signature wit.