Black Mischief

Black Mischief by Waugh, Evelyn. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780316926096.

"Black Mischief," Waughs third novel, 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 modernize his kingdom. Profound hilarity ensues from the issuance of homemade currency, the staging of a "Birth Control Gala, " the rightful rulers demise at his own rather long and tiring coronation ceremonies, and a good deal more mischief.