Evelyn Waugh

Decline And Fall

Sent down from Oxford in outrageous circumstances, Paul Pennyfather is oddly unsurprised to find himself qualifying for the position of schoolmaster at Llanabba Castle. His colleagues are an assortment of misfits, rascals and fools, including Prendy (plagued by doubts) and Captain Grimes, who is always in the soup (or just plain drunk). Then Sports Day arrives, and with it the delectable Margot Beste-Chetwynde, floating on a scented breeze. As the farce unfolds and the young run riot, no one is safe, least of all Paul.

Decline and Fall

2.5 stars — undeniably witty, decline and fall is utterly brilliant and amusing. however, i couldn’t resonate with any of the characters and probably the humor is particular in the time it was set. i appreciate how it criticizes on social norms, religious beliefs and cultural confusion.

heleen de boever

Quite a fun, entertaining little satire. Not quite as witty as a Wilde play, but it definitely shares the same mocking disdain for British social conventions.

Subtitled "A Novel of Many Manners, " Evelyn Waugh's notorious first novel lays waste the "heathen idol" of British sportsmanship, the cultured perfection of Oxford, and the inviolable honor codes of the English gentleman.

Sarah Escorsa

Decline and Fall was such a treat to read! A much lighter fare than other Evelyn Waugh books I have read so far, it is every bit as satiric and witty as his other works. I enjoyed Paul Pennyfeather's adventures (mostly misfortunes actually),the memorable cast of characters and the absurdity of it all. A fantastic read!

Simon Elliott Stegall

Brilliant book. Thumping good satire, a smashing comedy of errors, and one of those rare books I would recommend to anyone, regardless of taste. So everyone, go read it.

Lionel

Nihar Yusoof 

Grace Piper

Aaron McCollough

Rjyan C Kidwell

Teaghan Grayson

Alexia

Sent down from Oxford after a wild, drunken party, Paul Pennyfeather is oddly surprised to find himself qualifying for the position of schoolmaster at a boys' private school in Wales. His colleagues are an assortment of misfits, rascals and fools, including Prendy (plagued by doubts) and Captain Grimes, who is always in the soup (or just plain drunk). Then Sports Day arrives, and with it the delectable Margot Beste-Chetwynde, floating on a scented breeze. As the farce unfolds in Evelyn Waugh's dazzling debut as a novelist, the young run riot and no one is safe, least of all Paul.

Decline And Fall

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