London: Faber, 1958. Narrow octavo, orange cloth. Fine copy. Orange dust jacket has only faintly sunned spine, else fine. . A three act comedy based on 1956 novella ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY. Author's fifth book. Uncommon, especially in such nice condition. Edition of 3K copies (2k bound). "Set amongst the power intrigues and religious struggles at the court of a Roman Emperor. A Greek scientist arrives with his inventions of the steam engine, gun powder, and printing. The resultant catastrophes provoke arguments of Shavian wit and brilliant paradox, leading to a happy though ambiguous dénouement." - William- Golding.co.uk.