Perishable Goods

Perishable Goods is a quintessential entry in the Chandos series by Dornford Yates, the pen name of Cecil William Mercer. Published in 1928, the novel captures the interwar literary obsession with lighthearted adventure and romantic intrigue. Set against the backdrop of Europe, the narrative follows the gentlemanly exploits of Richard Chandos and his companions, reflecting the author’s own affection for the social mores and landscapes of the period.

Yates was widely celebrated during his lifetime for his witty, sophisticated prose and his ability to construct elaborate, often perilous, escapades for his upper-class protagonists. The design of the Perennial Library editions sought to repackage these classic thrillers for a modern audience, emphasizing the durability of Yates's style. While critical reception evolved alongside changing social attitudes toward his elitist characters, the series remains a significant artifact of early 20th-century British adventure writing.