Evelyn Waugh’s Scoop (London, 1938) is a comedic critique of the journalism industry. The novel draws inspiration from Waugh’s experience as a war correspondent for the London Daily Mail in Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) in 1935, where he reported on the conflict between Abyssinia and Italy. Waugh confessed that he lacked a knack for war reporting but keenly observed the antics of his fellow journalists. This led to a humorous and exaggerated novel that playfully yet sharply criticizes the newspaper industry and the journalism profession.

The storyline hinges on a series of humorous misunderstandings. Lord Copper, the pompous and uninformed owner of the Daily Beast, mistakenly dispatches William Boot, an inexperienced writer of nature articles, to report on the war in the fictional East African nation of Ishmaelia. Geographically, Ishmaelia mirrors Abyssinia. William quickly learns the cunning tactics of journalists, who constantly strive to outsmart their peers and secure exclusive stories. Thanks to a string of fortunate events, William lands several significant scoops and returns to London as a celebrated journalist. However, the success means little to him, and he is content to return to his rural home, the secluded and rundown Boot Magna Hall, where his numerous quirky relatives reside.