'Scoop' by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical novel that follows the misadventures of William Boot, a rural journalist who is mistakenly sent to cover a war in the African kingdom of Ishmaelia. The book humorously portrays the absurdity of journalism, colonialism, and foreign affairs, with a sharp wit and clever writing style that captures the chaotic world of Fleet Street and the comical misunderstandings that arise in a war zone. Through mistaken identities, farcical situations, and quirky characters, Waugh creates a hilarious and insightful commentary on the press, politics, and society of the time.

Characters:

The characters are a motley crew of misfits and journalists, portrayed as exaggerated stereotypes and imbued with a blend of humor and absurdity that underscores the book's satirical elements.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by dry wit, clever satirical observations, and a nuanced command of language, creating a rhythm that builds humor gradually.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a case of mistaken identity that thrusts a meek nature writer into the chaotic world of foreign journalism, leading to absurd and comedic situations.

Setting:

The setting spans both a fictional African country and the British press environment of the 1930s, painting a vivid picture of colonial perceptions and journalistic practices.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, beginning quickly with comedic elements, slowing in the middle as the plot develops in Ishmaelia, and concluding with a return to humor.

While still a young man, John Courteney Boot had, as his publisher proclaimed, “achieved an assured and enviable position in contemporary letters.” His novels sold fifteen thousand copies in their fir...

Notes:

The book is a satire about journalists and press magnates.

It is set before World War II in a fictional African country called Ishmaelia.

The main character, William Boot, is a nature columnist who gets assigned by mistake as a foreign correspondent.

The story showcases a mix-up involving three men named Boot, leading to comedic misunderstandings.

Waugh's style includes sharp humor and a critique of journalism practices of his time.

The novel highlights the absurdities of war reporting, as the journalists often create news rather than report it.

Ishmaelia is portrayed as a country rife with corruption and incompetence devoid of an actual war.

The book addresses issues such as colonialism and the portrayal of Africans, which are problematic by today's standards.

Characters in the novel include a variety of journalists, highlighting their eccentricities and flaws.

Waugh's personal experiences as a correspondent during the Ethiopian Italian war inform the story.

Despite being published in 1938, many of the themes regarding media and journalism remain relevant today.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book has content warnings for racism, colonialist attitudes, and offensive language common to its time period.

From The Publisher:

One of Evelyn Waugh's most exuberant comedies, Scoop is a brilliantly irreverent satire of Fleet Street and its hectic pursuit of hot news.

Lord Copper, newspaper magnate and proprietor of The Daily Beast, has always prided himself on his intuitive flair for spotting ace reporters. That is not to say he has not made the odd blunder, however, and may in a moment of weakness make another. Acting on a dinner party tip from Mrs Algernon Stitch, he feels convinced that he has hit on just the chap to cover a promising little war in the African Republic of Ishmaelia. But for, pale, ineffectual William Boot, editor of the Daily Beast's 'nature notes' column, being mistaken for a competent journalist may prove to be a fatal error...

If you enjoyed Scoop, you might like Waugh's Decline and Fall, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.

'Waugh at the mid-season point of his perfect pitch'

Christopher Hitchens

Ratings (4)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

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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, 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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Scoop

Evelyn Waugh