The biting humor and insight that characterized Saki are on full display in the 12 ingenious and irreverent stories collected in this volume. The tales are filled with unforgettable characters such as Clovis Sangfrail, hedonist philosopher and plotter of absurdities; Vera Durmot, unrepentant teller of tall tales who loves nothing more than to trick dignified visitors; and Aristide Saucourt, the chef of the Grand Sybaris Hotel and master of his domain. The author dissects these individuals and their ilk—the elegant, ridiculous members of the upper classes of Edwardian society—with his usual keen wit. Among the stories included in the collection are “The Brogue,” “The Peace of Mowsle Barton,” and “The Peace Offering.”