Book 1, Part 1 Summary

The Scoop is a satire about the newspaper industry and the profession of journalism. The author, Evelyn Waugh, pokes fun at the people and the processes that form the operations of the Fourth Estate all over the world. The novel begins with the introduction of an author named John CourteneyCourtney Boot who has just published his eighth book in a career that shows much promise. Boot is well traveled and lives a privileged life in London and counts many privileged society people as his friends. On this particular day, Boot plans to visit one of these friends, Mrs. Julia Stitch, whom he trusts for advice on personal and business matters.

Boot arrives at the Stitch household in time to pass Mr. Stitch, who is an English cabinet minister, leaving for the office. The butler shows Boot to Mrs. Stitch's bedroom where...