Black Mischief.

Waugh's third novel, which helped to establish his reputation as a master satirist.

Set on the fictional African island of Azania, the novel chronicles the efforts of Emperor Seth, assisted by the Englishman Basil Seal, to modernise his kingdom, including the issue of home-made currency and the staging of a 'Birth Control Gala'.

Written by Waugh whilst staying at Madresfield Court, Worcestershire as the guest of the Lygon sisters, who after 1931 had the run of the place (their father, William Lygon, 7th Earl Beauchamp, having been forced into exile under threat of prosecution for his homosexuality).