April 9, 2008

Evelyn Waugh: Decline and Fall (1928)

“Frankly,” said the Doctor, “I am at a loss to understand my own emotions. I can think of no entertainment that fills me with greater detestation than a display of competitive athletics, none–except possibly folk dancing. If there are two women in the world whose company I abominate–and there are very many more than two–they are Mrs. Beste-Chetwynde and Lady Circumference. I have, moreover, had an extremely difficult encounter with my butler, who–will you believe it?–waited at luncheon in a mustard-coloured suit of plus fours and a diamond tie pin. . . .” (pp. 75-76, Back Bay edition, 1999)

posted by in aesthetics, books, fiction, literature | * | 6 comments 

comments

  1. Deron Bauman on April 9th, 2008 at 10:15 am

    this is great.

    and as an aside, Lady Circumference is also known as Lady Fuckumference in other circles.

  2. Cindy Scroggins on April 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am

    At last! I’ve made my way into early 20th century literature!!

  3. Deron Bauman on April 9th, 2008 at 10:29 am

    Cindy, did I spell that right?

  4. Daryl Scroggins on April 9th, 2008 at 10:30 am

    Cindy is the Queen of coinage.

    I also am very fond of Waugh’s use of the word “moreover.”

  5. Cindy Scroggins on April 9th, 2008 at 11:40 am

    Deron, it’s actually spelled Fucumference. I prefer the subtlety.

  6. Deron Bauman on April 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am

    yes, that’s better.

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