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A Handful of Dust

By Evelyn Waugh
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh follows Tony Last, a gentleman whose idyllic life in the English countryside begins to unravel. As societal expectations and personal betrayals collide, Tony finds himself on an unexpected journey, exploring themes of disillusionment and the fragility of modern aristocratic life. This darkly comic novel delves into the complexities and absurdities of human relationships with Waugh's signature wit and sharp insight.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in darkly satirical tales that explore the decline of British aristocracy in the early 20th century. Set against a fascinating backdrop of waning social and moral values, the story delves into themes of disillusionment and societal decay with wit and poignancy.

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A Handful of Dust

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh is a celebrated tale of decadence and social disintegration, now available in a wonderful new hardback edition.

After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last finds herself bored with life at Hetton Abbey, the Gothic mansion that is the pride and joy of her husband, Tony. She drifts into an affair with the shallow socialite John Beaver and forsakes Tony for the Belgravia set.

Brilliantly combining tragedy, comedy, and savage irony, A Handful of Dust captures the irresponsible mood of the 'crazy and sterile generation' between the wars. The breakdown of the Last marriage is not only a painful, comic re-working of Waugh's own divorce but also a symbol of the breakdown of society.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241585276

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 27 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 351g

Pages: 336

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Evelyn Waugh Featured Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics

About the Author

Evelyn Waugh was born in Hampstead in 1903 and educated at Hertford College, Oxford. In 1928 he published his first novel, Decline and Fall, which was soon followed by Vile Bodies (1930), Black Mischief (1932), A Handful of Dust (1934) and Scoop (1938). During these years he also travelled extensively and converted to Catholicism. In 1939 Waugh was commissioned in the Royal Marines and later transferred to the Royal Horse Guards, experiences which informed his Sword of Honour trilogy (1952-61). His most famous novel, Brideshead Revisited (1945), was written while on leave from the army. Waugh died in 1966.

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