In Brief Authority by F. Anstey is a delightful comedy of errors that follows the misadventures of a bumbling village vicar who suddenly finds himself in a position of power and influence. As he struggles to navigate his newfound authority, the vicar's well-meaning but often misguided attempts to improve the lives of his parishioners lead to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and complications.

Anstey's witty writing and keen observations on human nature make this novel a joy to read, with laugh-out-loud moments on almost every page. The author's satirical take on the follies of those in positions of power is both timeless and highly relevant, making this a book that still resonates with readers today.

Overall, In Brief Authority is a charming and entertaining read that offers a humorous yet thought-provoking commentary on the nature of authority and the pitfalls that can come with it. Fans of classic British humor and social satire will certainly enjoy this comedic gem.

Book Description:
Satiric comedy from 1915 about a nouveau riche British family and their nanny who get whisked off to Maerchenland ('the land of Fairy Tales') one evening in a car drawn by storks. The matron of the family, a thorough snob, is crowned Queen of the country by mistake. She is quick to accept her new position and is determined to introduce British social niceties in her realm. And this really is the land of Fairy Tales, with gnomes, giants, a dragon, magic, a fairy godmother and more. Trouble quickly starts to brew as the royal couple and their son introduce things like capitalism and golf. When gradually a few people find out who should actually have been the new ruler, things get more and more complicated. A bit of romance is thrown into this mixture as well. You'll have to listen to find out whether everyone lives happily ever after.
In the preface and epilogue, the author won't let his audience forget the troubled times in the real world, in the heat of World War I.