E. F. Benson Books

These three wonderful comic novels drolly record the battle between Lucia and Elisabeth Mapp for social and cultural supremacy in the village of Tilling (based on Rye). Their constant skirmishes ensure that every game of bridge, tea or dinner-party, church service, council meeting or art exhibition are thrilling encounters that ensure Tilling is always on a very agreeable rack of suspense . Both Elisabeth and Lucia are gross hypocrites, snobs and bullies, the huge differences in temperament and style ensure the battle is usually unequal. Elisabeth is incurably mean-spirited and Lucia suffers from splendid delusions of grandeur and personal prestige. Driven by demons of revenge, Elisabeth always acts impulsively, and therefore every revelation of her meanness allows Lucia, the consummate actress, to kill her ally with a sickening kindness. In his insightful Introduction Keith Carabine shows that these books are excruciatingly funny because Benson, like Jane Austen, invites the reader to view the world through the self-deluded chronic anger and jaundiced suspicions of Elisabeth and through the self-deluded fabrications and day-dreams of Lucia. Carabine also concentrates on the novels disturbing, bitchy, camp humour whenever that horrid thing which Freud calls sex is raised .

Set in the vibrant social scene of 1920s London, the story follows Lucia as she transitions from her quaint town of Riseholme to the bustling city. With her characteristic determination, she navigates the complexities of urban social dynamics, eager to assert her influence and establish her dominance among the city's elite. This comic novel, part of the beloved Mapp and Lucia series, explores themes of rivalry, ambition, and the intricacies of social status in a humorous and engaging manner.

Outrageously pretentious, hypocritical and snobbish, Queen Lucia, 'as by right divine' rules over the toy kingdom of 'Riseholme' based on the Cotswold village of Broadway. Her long-suffering husband Pepino is 'her prince-consort', the outrageously camp Georgie is her 'gentleman-in-waiting', and the village green is her 'parliament'.

Mrs Ames revels in her position of superiority as she reigns over the merry-go-round of dinner parties in her small town. It is all part of an attempt to recapture her youth, into which category falls her husband ten years her junior. The horror for Mrs Ames comes when she discovers she has been replaced as the object of her husband's affection. Mrs Evans becomes a rival not just for her husband but for the position of queen bee within the town, and so decides to organise a masked costume party for the whole community, in an attempt to regain her throne, and thus, her man. E. F. Benson has conjured a witty expose of middle-class society.

This book's pages contains the classic biography of Queen Victoria by E. F. Benson. Using sources such letters and other writings Benson provides an immensely interesting insight in the woman, wide, mother and Queen that is Victoria. Ben was a prolific writer of his time producing over 90 works. Queen Victoria was first published in 1935 and is here republished with an introductory biography of the author.

Exploring the intersection of the supernatural and the mundane, the narrative delves into the lives of characters who encounter mysterious forces that challenge their understanding of reality. Themes of belief, fear, and the unknown are woven throughout, as the protagonists grapple with their perceptions and the implications of the spirits that may linger around them. The story invites readers to reflect on the unseen influences that shape our experiences and the deeper connections between the physical and spiritual worlds.

The book offers a unique perspective on the Victorian era, blending sharp insights with personal reflections from the author, who reminisces about the writers, artists, and scandals of the time. It serves as a psychological portrait of Benson himself, providing a highly readable account filled with engaging anecdotes. Readers interested in exploring the period through a different lens will find it particularly appealing.

Edward Frederic Benson was a versatile English author known for his satirical and supernatural works. His debut novel, Dodo, gained immediate acclaim for its sharp portrayal of contemporary figures, including the composer Ethel Smyth. He continued the Dodo saga with sequels Dodo the Second and Dodo Wonders, which explore the lives and social dynamics of the pre-World War I generation and the impact of the Great War on society. Benson's writing captures the essence of his time, blending humor and social commentary throughout his narratives.

Set in the fictional town of Tilling, the narrative centers on the cunning Miss Elizabeth Mapp, a determined woman who fiercely protects her social standing. The story unfolds as she engages in a witty rivalry with Lucia, another clever resident, highlighting the intricacies of small-town dynamics. E. F. Benson's satirical take on early 20th-century manners reveals the absurdities of provincial relationships, showcasing his talent for character development and sharp humor. This classic work offers a delightful exploration of social competition and English upper-middle-class quirks.