Guy Crouchback, determined to get into the war, takes a commission in the Royal
Corps of Halberdiers. His spirits high, he sees all the trimmings but none of th
e action. And his first campaign, an abortive affair on the West African coastli
ne, ends with an escapade which seriously blots his Halberdier copybook.
"Men
at Arms" is the first book in Waugh's brilliant trilogy, "Sword of Honour", whi
ch chronicles the fortunes of Guy Crouchback. The second and third volumes, "Off
icers and Gentlemen" and "Unconditional Surrender", are also published in Pengui
n. "Sword of Honour" has recently been made into a television drama series, with
screenplay by William Boyd.
