This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Brideshead Revisited

   The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder

   

   The novel is a nostalgic story about the narrator's involvement with the Flyte family, British aristocrats living in a grand mansion called Brideshead. The story explores themes of faith, love, and the decline of the British aristocracy, primarily through the narrator's relationships with the family's Catholic faith and his complicated friendship with the family's son and his love for the daughter. The novel is set in the backdrop of the time period between the two World Wars.

   The 141st Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Scoop

   A Novel About Journalists

   

   "Scoop" is a satirical novel that explores the world of journalism through the lens of an accidental war correspondent. The protagonist, a nature columnist, is mistakenly sent to cover a war in Africa due to a mix-up at a newspaper office. The book humorously depicts his struggles and mishaps as he navigates the chaotic world of war reporting, providing a critique of sensationalist journalism and the often absurd nature of international news.

   The 435th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. A Handful of Dust

   

   Set in the 1930s, this novel explores the disintegration of the marriage of an upper-class English couple, Tony and Brenda Last. Brenda embarks on an affair with a social climber, John Beaver, leading to the demise of her marriage. After their son's tragic death, Brenda demands a divorce and a large portion of Tony's estate. Tony, heartbroken, embarks on an ill-fated expedition to the Brazilian jungle. The novel critically examines the moral decay of British aristocracy and society.

   The 467th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Decline and Fall

   

   This novel follows the story of Paul Pennyfeather, a young man studying at Oxford University who is unfairly expelled and forced to take a job as a teacher at a chaotic school in Wales. His life takes a turn when he meets a wealthy widow and gets sucked into the high society lifestyle, only to be betrayed and sent to prison. The narrative is a satirical critique of the British class system, education, and the moral corruption of the rich.

   The 760th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Loved One

   An Anglo-American Tragedy

   

   The book is a satirical examination of the American funeral industry, set in Los Angeles. It follows the experiences of a young British poet working at a pet cemetery who becomes entangled in the superficial and bizarre practices at a funeral parlor for humans, as well as a love triangle with a cosmetician and her colleague. The narrative delves into themes of cultural clash, the commercialization of death, and the vacuity of the American way of life, all delivered with a sharp, darkly comedic edge.

   The 800th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Vile Bodies

   Bright Young Things

   

   "Vile Bodies" is a satirical novel that explores the lives of young, rich, and often aimless people in England during the interwar period. The narrative follows the protagonist, a struggling writer, who is engaged to be married but is constantly thwarted by lack of funds. The book is filled with eccentric characters, wild parties, and scandalous behavior, providing a humorous yet critical commentary on the moral decline of a society obsessed with wealth and status.

   The 1427th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Put Out More Flags

   

   The novel is a satirical take on the early days of World War II in England, focusing on the escapades of a group of idiosyncratic characters who navigate the changing social landscape with varying degrees of opportunism, cowardice, and humor. The protagonist, a charming but irresponsible upper-class man, seeks to exploit the war for personal gain, while his circle of friends and acquaintances engage in their own forms of moral gymnastics, against a backdrop of patriotic fervor and the looming threat of invasion. The narrative weaves together themes of redemption, the absurdity of war, and the quirks of British society during a time of national crisis.

   The 2372nd Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Black Mischief

   

   The novel is a satirical work set on the fictional African island of Azania, where Basil Seal, a young and somewhat feckless Englishman, finds himself involved in the efforts of Emperor Seth to modernize his kingdom. Through a series of comedic and often absurd events, the narrative explores themes of cultural clash, the folly of colonial ambitions, and the complexities of modernization. The story is marked by its sharp wit, intricate plot, and the author's keen observation of human nature and the political landscape of the time, all while navigating the delicate balance between humor and the critique of imperialism.

   The 2452nd Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Men At Arms

   

   "Men At Arms" is a satirical novel set during World War II, following the misadventures of a group of British soldiers. The story revolves around the absurdities and incompetence within the military hierarchy, as well as the clash between the old-fashioned traditions and the modern realities of war. Through dark humor and witty dialogue, the book explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the futility of war, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic and often farcical nature of armed conflict.

   The 2460th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Sword Of Honour

    A Final Version

    

    The book follows the experiences of Guy Crouchback, a disillusioned Englishman who joins the British Army during World War II in search of honor and purpose. Throughout his journey, Guy encounters a series of absurd and often farcical military and bureaucratic situations that challenge his ideals and expose the complexities and contradictions of war. As he navigates through personal and professional trials, he grapples with themes of duty, loyalty, and the often elusive nature of true heroism. The narrative combines sharp satire with poignant reflections on the human condition, ultimately portraying the futility and moral ambiguities of modern warfare.

    The 12103rd Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold

    A Conversation Piece

    

    The novel follows the story of Gilbert Pinfold, a successful and respected English novelist, who begins to experience auditory hallucinations due to an adverse reaction to a mix of sleeping pills and alcohol. As his hallucinations intensify during a sea voyage to Ceylon, he becomes convinced of a complex conspiracy against him, leading him to confront passengers who he believes are part of the plot. The novel explores themes of mental health, the fragility of identity, and the line between reality and imagination.

    The 16503rd Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Officers And Gentlemen

    

    The novel is a satirical war drama that follows the experiences of a young British officer during World War II. As part of the fictionalized Hookforce, he is involved in the chaotic retreat from Crete after the German invasion. The narrative weaves through the absurdities and tragedies of war, exposing the disjunction between the romanticized image of military life and the often grim reality. The protagonist navigates the incompetence of command, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the personal struggles that define life on the front, all while maintaining a veneer of the gentlemanly conduct expected of officers in the British Army.

    The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. Unconditional Surrender

    The Conclusion of Men at Arms and Officers and Gentlemen

    

    "Unconditional Surrender" is the third novel in a trilogy that satirically chronicles the adventures of its protagonist, a young British man, through the tumultuous years of World War II. In this final installment, the protagonist finds himself navigating the complexities of military bureaucracy, engaging in various escapades across Europe, and grappling with personal and ethical dilemmas. The narrative weaves together themes of honor, absurdity, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of war, all while maintaining a sharp, ironic wit that critiques the societal and military structures of the time.

    The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. One Man Great Enough

    

    "One Man Great Enough" by Evelyn Waugh explores the journey of Abraham Lincoln as he rises to become one of America's most revered presidents. The book delves into Lincoln's early opposition to slavery, his strategic debates with Stephen Douglas, and his secretive arrival in Washington, D.C. Through Lincoln's own writings, readers gain insight into his evolving views on the Union, democracy, and the looming Civil War. This narrative paints a vivid picture of Lincoln's character and the challenges he faced, offering a deeper understanding of his legacy.
15. 15. Helena

    

    Set in the early Christian era, this historical novel follows the life of a young woman who rises from obscurity to become the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. Through her journey, she navigates the complexities of Roman society, her own spiritual awakening, and the political intrigues of the imperial court. Her unwavering faith and determination lead her to play a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity, culminating in her legendary quest to find the True Cross. The narrative blends historical detail with imaginative storytelling, offering a rich portrayal of a remarkable woman's life and legacy.

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16. 16. Sword Of Honor Trilogy

    

    The narrative follows Guy Crouchback, a devout, conservative Englishman who joins the armed forces in World War II; through successive postings and episodes of farce, incompetence and moral compromise he struggles to reconcile his Catholic faith and traditional values with the chaos of modern war. Encounters with bungling bureaucracy, crooked officials and fraught personal relationships expose the erosion of the old social order, and the tone moves between satirical bite and melancholy reflection as he seeks redemption and meaning amid widespread disillusionment.

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17. 17. A Handful Of Dust And Decline And Fall

    

    Two darkly comic novels track gullible men undone by the hypocrisies and petty cruelties of interwar British society: one follows an innocent young graduate who is expelled from university and drifts through a succession of farcical, morally bankrupt jobs that expose the shallow opportunism of his social world; the other follows an idealistic country gentleman whose comfortable life collapses after his wife’s infidelities, leading to financial ruin and an ultimately absurd, tragic confinement. Both stories use wit and bitter irony to lampoon class, marriage, and the hollowing of traditional values, mixing satire with a grim undercurrent of loss and disillusionment.