About the book
Evelyn Waugh's celebrated tale of decadence and social disintegration, with an introduction by Philip Eade
After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last is 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. This breakdown of the Last marriage is a painful, comic re-working of Waugh's own divorce, and a symbol of the disintegration of society.
'One of the twentieth century's most chilling and bitter novels; and one of its best'
Nicholas Lezard, Guardian
'One of the most distinguished novels of the century'
Frank Kermode
'This is a masterpiece of stylish satire, and is funny, too ... a marvellous book'
John Banville, Irish Times
Editions of Handful of Dust
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780241585276
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780141183961
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241341100
- EBook
- ISBN 9780141886374
Read an Excerpt
Evelyn Waugh's celebrated tale of decadence and social disintegration, with an introduction by Philip Eade
After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last is 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. This breakdown of the Last marriage is a painful, comic re-working of Waugh's own divorce, and a symbol of the disintegration of society.
'One of the twentieth century's most chilling and bitter novels; and one of its best'
Nicholas Lezard, Guardian
'One of the most distinguished novels of the century'
Frank Kermode
'This is a masterpiece of stylish satire, and is funny, too ... a marvellous book'
John Banville, Irish Times
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Handful of Dust about?
Evelyn Waugh's celebrated tale of decadence and social disintegration, with an introduction by Philip Eade
After seven years of marriage, the beautiful Lady Brenda Last is 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. This breakdown of the Last marriage is a painful, comic re-working of Waugh's own divorce, and a symbol of the disintegration of society.
'One of the twentieth century's most chilling and bitter novels; and one of its best'
Nicholas Lezard, Guardian
'One of the most distinguished novels of the century'
Frank Kermode
'This is a masterpiece of stylish satire, and is funny, too ... a marvellous book'
John Banville, Irish Times
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Handful of Dust?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of Handful of Dust?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241585276
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Handful of Dust?
Evelyn Waugh, Philip Eade
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Handful of Dust is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780241585276) and paperback(ISBN 9780141183961) and paperback(ISBN 9780241341100) and ebook(ISBN 9780141886374)
Where can I buy Handful of Dust online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Handful of Dust from below
Where can I buy Handful of Dust?