An eye for a tooth

An Eye for a Tooth was published in 1943 as part of the Berry & Co. series by the British novelist Dornford Yates. Written during the height of the Second World War, the novel reflects the author's characteristic blend of aristocratic banter and suspense, situating its characters within the shifting social landscape of early 20th-century England. The series had begun in the wake of the First World War, establishing a template for upper-class escapism that resonated with readers seeking a return to traditional manners and witty dialogue.

The design and tone of the work are typical of Yates's precise, somewhat archaic prose style, which was highly regarded for its rhythmic quality and technical proficiency. While Yates enjoyed immense popularity during the interwar period, contemporary reception of his later works—including those published during the 1940s—tended to focus on the contrast between his idealized, bygone world and the harsh realities of wartime Britain. The stories remain a significant case study in the evolution of British comedic thriller literature.