Last collection of books

Piccadilly Jim

1917, P. G. Wodehouse

The novel revolves around a young, wealthy American named Jim Crocker, known for his scandalous lifestyle and frequent appearances in the gossip columns as "Piccadilly Jim." In an attempt to win the heart of the woman he loves, Jim embarks on a convoluted scheme involving assumed identities, a trip

Something Fresh

1915, P. G. Wodehouse

In this comedic novel, the story unfolds in Blandings Castle, where the absent-minded Lord Emsworth accidentally pockets a valuable scarab belonging to an American millionaire, setting off a series of humorous events. The millionaire's secretary and a young woman, both in disguise, infiltrate the ca

Anglo Saxon Attitudes

1956, Angus Wilson

This novel is a satirical exploration of the British academic world, focusing on the life of Gerald Middleton, a disillusioned historian who has spent his career in the shadow of a potentially fraudulent archaeological discovery. As he navigates through his personal and professional life, the story

The Wimbledon Poisoner

1990, Nigel Williams

This book is a darkly comic tale centered around Henry Farr, a suburban solicitor who finds himself deeply dissatisfied with his mundane life and particularly with his wife, Elinor. In a desperate bid for freedom and excitement, Henry decides to embark on a sinister plan to poison Elinor. However, h

Molesworth

1953, Ronald Searle

This book is a humorous account of life in a British boys' boarding school in the 1950s, told through the eyes of Nigel Molesworth, the self-proclaimed "goriller of 3B" and "curse of St. Custard's." Through a series of vignettes, sketches, and unique spelling, Molesworth offers a satirical take on s

Black Mischief

1932, Evelyn Waugh

The novel is a satirical work set on the fictional African island of Azania, where Basil Seal, a young and somewhat feckless Englishman, finds himself involved in the efforts of Emperor Seth to modernize his kingdom. Through a series of comedic and often absurd events, the narrative explores themes

Venus On The Half Shell

1975, Philip José Farmer

This novel follows the interstellar adventures of Simon Wagstaff, narrowly escaping the destruction of Earth, as he embarks on a quest for the meaning of life across the cosmos. Along his journey, Wagstaff encounters a myriad of bizarre creatures and civilizations, each offering their own philosophi

Tropic Of Ruislip

1974, Leslie Thomas

This novel explores the lives and dynamics within a suburban London community, focusing on the residents of the Plummers Park estate, a place marked by its contrast between the aspirations and realities of its inhabitants. Through a series of interconnected stories and characters, the narrative delv

Before Lunch

1939, Angela Thirkell

This novel is a charming and witty exploration of the social dynamics and idyllic country life in pre-World War II England. Set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, it delves into the lives of its inhabitants, focusing on the romantic entanglements and societal pressures that animate their daily

Penrod

1914, Booth Tarkington

This novel centers around the misadventures of a young boy, capturing the essence of boyhood in the early 20th century Midwest. Through a series of humorous and often poignant episodes, the protagonist navigates the trials and tribulations of adolescence, dealing with family, friends, and his own bu

White Man Falling

2006, Mike Stocks

This novel is a darkly comedic exploration of life in a small Indian town, where the unexpected fall of a white man from a balcony sets off a series of events that entangle the lives of the local residents. Through this incident, the book delves into the complexities of Indian society, touching on t

Loitering With Intent

1981, Muriel Spark

In "Loitering With Intent," the narrative follows the journey of Fleur Talbot, an aspiring young writer in post-World War II London, as she navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life. Fleur finds herself embroiled in the eccentric world of the Autobiographical Association, a gr

The Driver's Seat

1970, Muriel Spark

This novel follows the story of Lise, a woman who, disillusioned with her mundane office job, embarks on a journey to an unnamed Southern European city in search of adventure and ultimately, her own demise. Throughout her meticulously planned trip, she engages in erratic behavior, interacts with var

The Adventures Of Ferdinand Count Fathom

1753, Tobias Smollett

This novel follows the life and misadventures of the titular character, a cunning and unscrupulous man who travels across Europe exploiting and manipulating everyone he encounters. Born to obscure origins, he rises through society using deceit and fraud, embodying the picaresque hero with a dark twi

Topper Takes A Trip

1932, Thorne Smith

This comedic novel follows the adventures of Cosmo Topper, a conservative banker, who finds himself once again entangled with the mischievous and ghostly Marion Kerby. After the events of their first escapade, Topper seeks solace and a cure for his supposed ailments in the French Riviera, only to di

Moo

1995, Jane Smiley

This novel is a satirical take on academic life, set in a Midwestern agricultural university known as "Moo U." The story weaves together the lives of faculty, students, and university staff, exploring their ambitions, failures, and eccentricities. Central to the narrative is the university's financi

The Belles Lettres Papers

1987, Charles Simmons

This novel provides a satirical glimpse into the world of literary publishing through the lens of a fictional prestigious literary magazine, The Belles Lettres. The narrative humorously explores the ambitions, rivalries, and pretensions of the magazine's staff, who are more concerned with their pers

Office Politics

1965, Wilfrid Sheed

This book delves into the intricate and often cutthroat world of office politics through a satirical lens, exploring the dynamics within a corporate environment. It follows the journey of its characters as they navigate through the power struggles, alliances, and rivalries that are all too common in

Blott On The Landscape

1975, Tom Sharpe

This book is a satirical novel that revolves around the chaotic battle to prevent a beautiful piece of English countryside from being destroyed by a proposed motorway. At the heart of this uproar is the scheming Sir Giles Lynchwood and his wife, Lady Maud. Sir Giles, eager to rid himself of his fina

Porterhouse Blue

1974, Tom Sharpe

This satirical novel is set in the fictional Porterhouse College at Cambridge University, where tradition reigns supreme. The story unfolds with the death of the college's Master, leading to the appointment of Sir Godber Evans, a reform-minded new Master who aims to modernize the institution. This s

Great Apes

1997, Will Self

In this provocative and darkly humorous novel, the protagonist, a celebrated London artist, wakes up one day to find himself in a world where chimpanzees have evolved to be the dominant species, with humans relegated to a subservient role. As he navigates this surreal and unsettling reality, he is f

Hurrah For St Trinian's

1948, Ronald Searle

This book is a humorous collection of illustrations and stories that delve into the chaotic and anarchic world of an all-girls boarding school. The narrative is centered around the misadventures and pranks of the school's pupils, who are far from the demure and disciplined students one might expect.

The Unbearable Bassington

1912, Saki

This novel is a satirical exploration of Edwardian society, focusing on the life of Comus Bassington, a charming but irredeemably selfish and idle young man. Set against a backdrop of London's high society, the narrative delves into Comus's frivolous and extravagant lifestyle, which leads to his eve

The Westminster Alice

1902, Saki

This satirical work offers a clever political parody of Lewis Carroll's famous "Alice in Wonderland," set against the backdrop of the British political landscape of the early 20th century. Through the adventures of its protagonist, Alice, the narrative humorously critiques the policies and personali

Alms For Oblivion

1964, Simon Raven

This book is a satirical and darkly humorous narrative that delves into the lives of various characters from the British upper class and intelligentsia during the 1950s and 1960s. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of power, corruption, sexual exploits, and the

Solomon Gursky Was Here

1989, Mordecai Richler

This novel is a sprawling epic that traces the multi-generational saga of the Gursky family, rumored to have been inspired by the real-life Bronfman dynasty, Canadian liquor magnates. At its core, it follows the enigmatic figure of Solomon Gursky, whose life is shrouded in myth and mystery, from his

My Search For Warren Harding

1973, Robert Plunkett

This novel is a satirical and humorous journey into the life of an eccentric narrator obsessed with the 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding. The protagonist embarks on a bizarre quest to uncover intimate and scandalous details of Harding's life, leading him into a series of absurd

The Sacred Book Of The Werewolf

2004, Victor Pelevin

This novel introduces readers to a captivating world where ancient myth meets modern life through the eyes of a two-thousand-year-old werefox named A Hu-Li. Disguised as a teenage girl, she navigates contemporary Russia, using her supernatural abilities and seductive powers to survive in a society d

Fireflies

1970, Shiva Naipaul

This novel explores the complexities of post-colonial Trinidad through the lens of the protagonist's tumultuous family life and his arranged marriage. Set against a backdrop of societal change and personal disillusionment, the narrative delves into themes of identity, tradition, and the search for m

Titmuss Regained

1990, John Mortimer

This novel is a satirical continuation of the life of Leslie Titmuss, a character who has risen from humble beginnings to a position of power as a Conservative Member of Parliament. Set in the idyllic English countryside, the story delves into Titmuss's personal and professional challenges as he nav

Charade

1947, John Mortimer

This book is a captivating thriller that weaves together the lives of two very different individuals: a successful lawyer leading a seemingly perfect life and a young actress caught in the web of her own deceptions. As their paths cross, a complex narrative unfolds, revealing secrets, lies, and a da

The Restraint Of Beasts

1998, Magnus Mills

This darkly comic novel follows the misadventures of an unnamed English foreman tasked with supervising two Scottish fence builders, Tam and Richie, in rural England. The trio's mundane job of erecting high-tension fences takes a series of bizarre and increasingly grim turns, leading them on a journ

Puckoon

1963, Spike Milligan

This comedic novel is set in 1924, revolving around the fictional Irish village of Puckoon. The story unfolds in a chaotic and humorous manner when the Boundary Commission, tasked with dividing Ireland, carelessly draws the new border straight through the village, splitting it between Northern Irela

Cakes And Ale Or, The Skeleton In The Cupboard

1930, W. Somerset Maugham

This novel is a satirical exploration of literary society, focusing on the life and posthumous reputation of a celebrated author. Through the eyes of the narrator, a writer named Ashenden, the story delves into themes of hypocrisy, fame, and the contrast between public image and private reality. The

Memoirs Of A Gnostic Dwarf

1995, David Madsen

This novel offers a vivid and provocative portrayal of the Vatican during the Renaissance, seen through the eyes of a dwarf who serves Pope Leo X. The narrative delves into the corruption, intrigue, and scandal that pervade the Holy See, presenting a stark contrast between the spiritual ideals of th

Whisky Galore

1947, Compton Mackenzie

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, this comedic novel unfolds on the fictional Scottish island of Great Todday, where the locals are suffering from a severe whisky shortage due to wartime rationing. The narrative takes a delightful turn when a shipwreck off the island's coast presents

Nice Work

1988, David Lodge

This novel explores the unlikely intersection of two very different worlds through the story of Vic Wilcox, a pragmatic and conservative factory manager, and Robyn Penrose, a radical feminist and university lecturer in English literature. Set against the backdrop of the industrial Midlands during th

The Debt To Pleasure

1996, John Lanchester

This novel is a darkly comic and meticulously crafted narrative that follows the journey of Tarquin Winot, a snobbish, erudite, and deeply unreliable narrator who ostensibly aims to write a culinary memoir. As he travels from Portsmouth to his cottage in France, Tarquin intersperses his reflections

Pictures From An Institution

1954, Randall Jarrell

This novel offers a satirical glimpse into the lives of faculty and students at a progressive women's college in the United States during the 1950s. Through a series of vivid character sketches and witty observations, the narrative delves into the idiosyncrasies of academic life, exploring themes of

The Mighty Walzer

1999, Howard Jacobson

This novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1950s Manchester, revolving around the life of Oliver Walzer, a shy Jewish boy with a prodigious talent for table tennis. Growing up in a close-knit community, Oliver navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all whi

The Lecturer's Tale

2001, James Hynes

This novel is a darkly comedic exploration of academia, focusing on the life of a struggling adjunct lecturer at a Midwestern university. After a bizarre accident results in the loss and miraculous reattachment of his finger, the protagonist discovers he has gained a supernatural ability to influenc

Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House

1946, Eric Hodgkins

This comedic novel follows the adventures of a New York advertising executive and his family as they embark on the journey of building their dream home in the countryside. Frustrated with their cramped city living conditions, they purchase a dilapidated house in Connecticut, only to find themselves

The Little World Of Don Camillo

1948, Giovanni Guareschi

This book is a charming collection of stories set in a small village in post-World War II Italy, where the local priest, Don Camillo, and the communist mayor, Peppone, are constantly at odds. Despite their political and ideological differences, they share a deep, if grudging, respect for each other,

Travels With My Aunt

1969, Graham Greene

This novel follows the adventures of Henry Pulling, a retired bank manager, who leads a quiet life tending to his dahlias until he reunites with his eccentric Aunt Augusta at his mother's funeral. Aunt Augusta, a woman with a colorful past and an insatiable thirst for adventure, draws Henry into a s

Squire Haggard's Journal

1975, Michael Green

This book presents itself as the uproariously funny and bawdy diary of a dissolute Georgian rake, chronicling his daily misadventures and the various predicaments he finds himself in. Set in the 18th century, it offers a satirical glimpse into the life of the titular character, a man of many vices,

Brewster's Millions

1902, Richard Greaves

In this classic comedic novel, the protagonist is tasked with an unusual and seemingly enviable challenge: to spend a vast fortune of one million dollars within a year in order to inherit an even greater sum of twenty million dollars. The catch is that he must do so without acquiring any tangible as

The Polyglots

1925, William Gerhardie

"The Polyglots" is a satirical novel that delves into the chaotic lives of a dysfunctional, multi-national family living in the Far East after World War I. Through the eyes of the young, melancholic protagonist, the narrative humorously explores themes of cultural confusion, absurdity of human natur

Caprice

1917, Ronald Firbank

This novel is a whimsical and satirical exploration of Edwardian high society, following the adventures of its protagonist, Caprice, as she navigates the intricacies and absurdities of her social world. With its sharp wit and flamboyant characters, the story delves into themes of love, social status

Ennui

1809, Maria Edgeworth

This novel explores the life of Lord Glenthorn, a wealthy but disenchanted Irish peer who suffers from profound boredom and a lack of purpose. After discovering that he is not the legitimate heir to his estate, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Through various trials and a qu

A Fairy Tale Of New York

1973, J. P. Donleavy

This novel follows the journey of an Irish-American man who, after studying in Ireland, returns to New York City to claim his deceased father's ashes. The narrative weaves through his experiences and encounters in a post-war America, blending humor with melancholy as he navigates the complexities of

Slouching Towards Kalamazoo

1983, Peter De Vries

This novel is a comedic and satirical journey set in the American Midwest, revolving around the life of a precocious and highly intelligent teenager. Through his unconventional relationship with his teacher, the story delves into themes of love, the absurdity of the human condition, and the quest fo

Diary Of A Provincial Lady

1930, E. M. Delafield

This book is a humorous account of the daily life of an upper-middle-class English woman living in the country during the 1930s. Told through diary entries, it captures the protagonist's struggles with domestic life, social obligations, and financial difficulties, all while attempting to maintain he

The Case Of The Gilded Fly

1944, Edmund Crispin

This book is a classic detective novel set in post-World War II Oxford, where a group of actors and playwrights gather to stage a new play. Amidst the theatrical setting, a complex murder mystery unfolds when a despised actress is found dead, seemingly a suicide. However, the astute and eccentric am

Mister Johnson

1939, Joyce Cary

This novel is set in early 20th-century colonial Nigeria and follows the life of Mister Johnson, a young and exuberant African clerk who works for the British colonial administration. Despite the oppressive colonial system, Johnson remains irrepressibly optimistic, constantly trying to bridge the ga

The Hearing Trumpet

1974, Leonora Carrington

This novel is a surreal adventure that centers around Marian Leatherby, a 92-year-old woman who is given a hearing trumpet by her friend. The device reveals that her family is plotting to send her to a peculiar institution for the elderly. Once there, Marian becomes entangled in a bizarre narrative

The Harpole Report

1972, J. L. Carr

This novel humorously chronicles the life of a young, inexperienced schoolteacher who takes up a headmaster position in a small English village school. Faced with the daunting task of managing both the eccentric staff and the unique challenges of rural education, he decides to meticulously document

A Season In Sinji

1967, J. L. Carr

The novel unfolds in the backdrop of World War II, focusing on the life of an Englishman stationed at an airfield in Sinji, a fictional location in West Africa. Through its narrative, the book explores themes of camaraderie, isolation, and the surreal nature of war. The protagonist's experiences in

No Bed For Bacon

1941, S. J. Simon

This book is a comedic romp through Elizabethan England, where historical figures and fictional characters collide in a series of misadventures. At the heart of the story is the quest for a bed promised to Sir Walter Raleigh by Queen Elizabeth herself, which becomes entangled with William Shakespear

The History Man

1975, Malcolm Bradbury

The novel is a satirical portrayal of academic life in the 1970s, focusing on Howard Kirk, a radical sociology lecturer at a British university. As a self-proclaimed "history man," Kirk manipulates events and people around him to align with his progressive ideologies, all while navigating the comple

The Ascent Of Rum Doodle

1956, W. E. Bowman

This book is a satirical take on mountaineering memoirs, chronicling the humorous adventures of a team of British explorers as they attempt to conquer the fictional peak of Rum Doodle in the Himalayas. Led by the inept but optimistic narrator, the expedition faces a series of absurd obstacles and ch