Black Mischief.

£2,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

one of 250 copies - signed numbered by the author 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, large paper issue, number 99 of 250 copies, signed by the author; large 8vo; 9 monochrome illustrations, including frontispiece, minor spotting to endpapers, else unmarked internally; publisher's purple cloth, device to upper board and titles to spine gilt, purple silk ribbon marker intact (though worn), edges and spine sunned, light bumping to spine end and corners, with the original dust-jacket, rear panel creased at head with associated closed tear and small chip, a few minor nicks to head and tail of spine, else very good.

• Binding: Hardcover

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