Last month the Daily Telegraph published a list of the 100 novels everyone should read. This includes translations as well as books in English. There is no explanation of how or by whom the list was compiled or whether the books are ranked in any kind priority of “bestness.” Only one book or series by each author is named. Scoop is listed as #18.
“18 Scoop by Evelyn Waugh
Waugh based the hapless junior reporter in this journalistic farce on former Telegraph editor Bill Deedes.”
Others on the list from Waugh’s generation include The Great Gatsby, Dance to the Music of Time, Cold Comfort Farm, 1984, Brighton Rock and Mrs. Dalloway. There in no novel by D H Lawrence or Ernest Hemingway on the list.
