Queen Camilla's Book Club Revives E.F. Benson's Witty "Mapp and Lucia" Series

Queen Camilla's online book club, "The Queen's Reading Room," has recently highlighted E.F. Benson's "Mapp and Lucia" series, bringing renewed attention to this classic work of English humor. The series, which satirizes the social maneuverings of upper-middle-class life in early 20th century England, showcases Benson's wit and observational skills.

Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was a prolific author who wrote at least 80 books during his lifetime. Born into a distinguished family, Benson's father served as the Archbishop of Canterbury, while his mother was renowned for her intellect. This background provided Benson with ample material for his social satires.

The "Mapp and Lucia" series, consisting of six novels and one short story, centers around the rivalry between two formidable women: Emmeline "Lucia" Lucas and Elizabeth Mapp. Their battle for social dominance in the fictional town of Tilling (based on Rye, where Benson lived) forms the core of the series' humor.

Benson's writing style is characterized by affectionate satire and clever observations. For instance, he describes Lucia's religious beliefs as follows:

"With regard to religion, finally, it may be briefly said that she believed in God in much the same way as she believed in Australia. For she had no doubts whatever as to the existence of either; and she went to church on Sunday in much the same spirit as she would look at a kangaroo in the zoological gardens; for kangaroos came from Australia."

The series began with "Queen Lucia" in 1920, followed by "Miss Mapp" in 1922. The two characters finally clash in the 1931 novel "Mapp and Lucia," which is often considered the funniest in the series.

Interestingly, Benson lived in Lamb House, Rye, which was previously the residence of Henry James. This connection to literary history adds another layer of intrigue to Benson's work.

While the "Mapp and Lucia" series is Benson's most famous work today, he was also known for his ghost stories. H.P. Lovecraft praised Benson's story "The Face" as "lethally potent," and other tales like "The Room in the Tower" and "Mrs. Amworth" continue to chill readers.

Queen Camilla's recommendation has brought these delightful novels to a new audience. Readers interested in exploring Benson's work can start with "Mapp and Lucia" or the omnibus "Make Way for Lucia," which contains all six novels and the short story "The Male Impersonator."

As we approach the 84th anniversary of Benson's passing, it's heartening to see his work still captivating readers. The "Mapp and Lucia" series offers a perfect summer read, full of humor, wit, and keen observations of human nature that remain relevant today.

[[Lucia on Elizabeth Mapp]]

"I behaved towards our poor friend with a magnanimity that now appears to me excessive, and since she does not appreciate magnanimity we will try her with something else."

This quote perfectly encapsulates the delicious rivalry at the heart of Benson's beloved series, promising readers a thoroughly entertaining literary experience.