E. F. Benson

As the son of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the author was well placed to observe the great, the good and the not-so-good of Victorian society. He records his observations with wit and humour.

Jack Adrian's selection of mostly unknown E F Benson stories including a new `Miss Mapp' story.

Using her best social-climbing instincts and refusing to be embarrassed, Lucia sets out to conquer London and mingle with the beau monde. Soon a secret group of "Luciaphiles" springs up; the social climbers who make up its rank never tire of watching her get into and out of all kinds of trouble.

Lucia and Mapp's amusing adventures in Tilling continue as the redoubtable pair stand unsuccessfully for election to the Town Council. Lucia enters a too-chaste marriage with Georgie. And after a house swap with the infamous Miss Mapp, Lucia redecorates, only to discover - and then hide - the remains of a Roman villa!

When Lucia Lucas rents a summer place - the home of Miss Elizabeth Mapp - in the English village of Tilling, between Miss Mapp's penchant for spying on neighbours and Lucia's fussy sidekick, Georgie, the stage is set for a battle of wits.

Social climber, Elizabeth Mapp, spends her days spying on her neighbours and scheming about ways of ensnaring Major Benjamin Flint, whom she has been trying to marry for years.

The unique Emmeline Lucas, Lucia, is a social authority and 'queen' of the charming village, Riseholme. Lucia defends her throne as it is in jeopardy with the arrival of Olga Braceley, an opera singer.

Lucia becomes mayor of Tilling with Georgie Pilson as her sidekick, confidant, and escort. Lucia and Georgie renew their acquaintance with the opera diva Olga Braceley and the composer Cortese, but nobody in Tilling believes Lucia when she claims to have entertained a duchess.