Black Mischief

"We are Progress and the New Age. Nothing can stand in our way." When Oxford-educated Emperor Seth succeeds to the throne of the African state of Azania, he has a tough job on his hands. His subjects are ill-informed and unruly, and corruption, double-dealing, and bloodshed are rife. However, with the aid of Minister of Modernization Basil Seal, Seth plans to introduce his people to the civilized ways of the west-but will it be as simple as that? Profound hilarity ensues from the issuance of homemade currency, the staging of a "Birth Control Gala," the rightful ruler's demise at his own rather long and tiring coronation ceremonies, and a good deal more mischief.

• Decline and Fall
• Scoop
• Vile Bodies
• Put Out More Flags
• A Handful of Dust
• The Loved One
• Helena
• Brideshead Revisited
• The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold
• Sword of Honor