Black Mischief

"A hilarious and still timely tale of emerging Africa and declining England" from master satirist Evelyn Waugh (Time).

"We are Progress and the New Age. Nothing can stand in our way."

When Oxford-educated Emperor Seth succeeds to the throne of the African state of Azania, he has a tough job on his hands. His subjects are ill-informed and unruly, and corruption, double-dealing, and bloodshed are rife. With the aid of Minister of Modernization Basil Seal, Seth plans to introduce his people to the civilized ways of the West—but will it be as simple as that?

Profound 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.

"Pure, early Waugh, funny in spots, mildly satirical, wildly absurd, corrupt and erotic. . . . Black Mischief is clever and it is entertaining." —Orville Prescott, New York Times