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The renowned author's 1942 novel of an upper-class scoundrel who seeks adventure in the early years of WWII.

Basil Seal—mad, bad, and dangerous to know—creates havoc wherever he goes, much to the despair of the three women in his life: his sister, his mother, and his mistress. When Neville Chamberlain declares war on Germany, it seems the perfect opportunity for more action and adventure. So Basil follows the call to arms and sets forth to enjoy life as a war hero.


Basil's instincts for self-preservation come to the fore as he insinuates himself into the Ministry of Information and a little-known section of Military Security. With Europe frozen in the "phoney war," when will Basil's big chance to fight finally arrive?