Wigs on the Green

Wigs on the Green is a 1935 satirical novel by Nancy Mitford that takes aim at the British fascist movement of the 1930s. The story centers on a wealthy heiress who becomes caught up in a right-wing political organization called the Union Jackshirts. Set in the English countryside, the novel follows several characters whose lives intersect through their involvement with fascist politics and romantic entanglements. The narrative incorporates elements of romance and comedy while maintaining its satirical edge. The book proved controversial upon release, causing a rift between Mitford and her sisters Diana and Unity, whose real-life political affiliations had inspired several characters. The author later refused to have it republished during her lifetime, and it remained out of print for over 35 years until its 2010 reissue. Through humor and satire, the novel examines the appeal of extremist politics among the British upper classes during the interwar period, while also exploring themes of class, ideology, and familial loyalty.

Readers find this satirical novel lighter and less polished than Mitford's later works. Many note its historical significance as a 1930s parody of British fascism, though some feel uncomfortable with its treatment of Nazi Germany given what followed. Readers appreciate: - The sharp wit and humor - Its value as a snapshot of pre-WWII British upper-class society - The absurdist elements and character comedy Common criticisms: - Less developed characters compared to Mitford's other novels - Dated political references that require footnotes - An uneven plot that meanders Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (50+ ratings) Several reviewers note the book works better as a historical document than as entertainment. One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "This reads like an early draft of her later, better novels." Multiple Amazon reviews mention needing the included explanatory notes to understand the political context and references.

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton A sharp social satire following a woman navigating New York's upper class society, filled with the same biting observations of aristocratic life found in Wigs on the Green.

Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh This satirical novel set in British high society of the 1920s dissects class privilege and institutional absurdity through dark comedy.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Elizabeth Jenkins Set among the British upper classes, this novel exposes the tensions and hypocrisies of privileged society in the post-war period.

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons A parody of rural novels that shares Mitford's satirical approach to British social types and literary conventions.

Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford Written by the same author, this novel continues the examination of aristocratic life in interwar Britain through a combination of comedy and social commentary.

🔹 The book was published in 1935 and remained out of print for over 75 years at Nancy Mitford's own request, due to its portrayal of her sisters Diana and Unity, who were real-life supporters of fascism. 🔹 The "Union Jackshirts" in the novel were a direct parody of Sir Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists, whose members were known as "Blackshirts" and included several prominent members of British aristocracy. 🔹 Nancy Mitford was one of the famous Mitford sisters - six daughters of Lord Redesdale who became notorious in British society for their dramatically different political alignments, ranging from communism to fascism. 🔹 The book's title "Wigs on the Green" comes from an old British expression meaning "there's going to be a fight," foreshadowing both the political conflicts and physical altercations in the novel. 🔹 When the book was finally republished in 2010, it included a new introduction explaining why certain passages about Hitler and anti-Semitism from the original 1935 version were omitted out of respect for the victims of WWII.