Another Leonard Wibberly tale, marked by his usual wit and dry humor, of the little Duchy of Grand Fenwick. Although dated to the first oil crisis of the late 1970s, the charm and pluck of the little country affects the world, and brings order and reason to those would ruin the international economy. Because of the oil crisis, the oil delivered to the little English duchy on the border of France cannot any longer run their two cars or heat their hot water for bathing. The Count of Mountjoy and the Duchess Gloriana use old world charm to work with an oil tycoon break up the inflation of the oil market. More charming than humorous, this is an excellent book to read on a cool, wet afternoon. ( )

I enjoyed this entry into the tales of the Count of Mountjoy and Grand Fenwick although it would probably have seemed funnier if I had read it years ago. It also helped that I had previously read at least two of the other books about Grand Fenwick's ventures into international diplomacy.

Grand Fenwick is a small, independent Duchy located in a fold in the Alps. Their access to the outside world is via France and hardly anyone has heard of them but the Duchy is the Guardian of the Q-bomb, the most powerful weapon in the world. When a looming oil shortage makes it impossible for the Prime Minister, Count of Mountjoy, to get a hot bath, he decides that Grand Fenwick must once more intervene in international politics and fix the Western economies. This is achieved in a most unlikely fashion. Fun and recommended for fans of Wibberley's books.

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