Black Mischief.

Waugh's third novel, written whilst staying at Madresfield Court, Worcestershire as the guest of the Lygon sisters; this was the book that established 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'.

First edition; 8vo (18.5 x 13 cm); frontispiece with map illustration with tissue-guard, one or two very minor spots or marks, else near-fine internally; finely bound by by Bayntun Riviere, modern full black morocco with one-line gilt-panelled border, spine in 6 compartments, lettered in gilt, all edges gilt, gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers, light signs of wear to extremities otherwise very good fine binding; 303pp, [1]pp.