An inability to control his fantasies sends Gilbert Pinfold, a well-known author, cruising on a Ceylon-bound liner to recuperate. But to his horror the hallucinations increase and life on board becomes very embarrassing....This curious and diverting novel throws new light on Evelyn Waugh's remarkable talent....This volume also includes 'Tactical Exercise', a short story of hatred, and 'Love Among the Ruins', an illustrated romance of the near future.