L'inviato speciale

"L'inviato speciale" (English title: "Scoop") by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical novel published in 1938. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Plot Summary

The novel revolves around William Boot, a young man who lives in genteel poverty and contributes nature notes to Lord Copper's Daily Beast, a national daily newspaper. Due to a mistaken identity with his cousin, John Courteney Boot, a fashionable novelist, William is mistakenly identified as a foreign correspondent. He is sent to Ishmaelia, a fictional state in East Africa, to report on the crisis there. Despite his total ineptitude, Boot accidentally gets the journalistic "scoop" of the title. When he returns, the credit goes to the other Boot, and William is left to return to his bucolic pursuits, much to his relief.

Key Themes

1. Satire of Sensationalist Journalism: The novel is a satire of sensationalist journalism and the foreign correspondents who often sensationalize events for the sake of publicity. Waugh critiques the practice of turning real events into dramatic stories for the sake of selling newspapers.

2. Identity and Misunderstandings: The mistaken identity of William Boot serves as a central theme, highlighting how misunderstandings can lead to unexpected consequences. This theme is also reflective of the chaos and confusion that can arise in the world of journalism.

3. Social Class and Status: The novel touches on the social class and status of its characters. William Boot's life in the countryside is contrasted with the urban, high-society world of Lord Copper and other journalists, highlighting the differences between these two worlds.

Critical Reception

"L'inviato speciale" has been well-received for its sharp satire and witty humor. Critics have praised Waugh's ability to poke fun at the excesses of the press and the pretensions of those involved in it. The novel is often cited as an example of Waugh's skill in using satire to critique societal norms and practices.

Italian Translation and Adaptations

The Italian translation of the book is titled "L'inviato speciale" and has been adapted into other works. For example, Enrico Franceschini has written a novel inspired by Waugh's work, also titled "Scoop," which tells the story of a young correspondent sent to cover a coup and civil war in a Central American country.

Editions

The book has been published in various editions, including an Italian edition by Bompiani in 1974.

In summary, "L'inviato speciale" by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical novel that critiques sensationalist journalism and the world of foreign correspondents. It features a plot centered around mistaken identity and explores themes of social class and status. The book has received positive reviews for its sharp satire and witty humor.