Decline and Fall (Penguin Modern Classics)

Sent down from Oxford for indecent behaviour, Paul Pennyfeather is oddly unsurprised to find himself qualifying for the position of schoolmaster at Llanabba Castle.

His colleagues are an assortment of misfits, rascals, and fools, including:

• Prendy, plagued by doubts, and
• Captain Grimes, who is always "in the soup" (or just plain drunk).

Then comes Sports Day, bringing with it the delectable Margot Beste-Chetwynde, floating on a scented breeze.

As the farce unfolds and the young run riot, no one is safe—least of all Paul.