While Blandings Castle sleeps in the summer sun, the Honorable Galahad Threepwood, brother of the Earl of Emsworth, is busily engaged in writing his reminiscences. And they look set to be as warm as the weather, if not warmer, for Galahad has led a thoroughly misspent life, and his acquaintances can all too easily recall their past follies in his company. Reputations are at stake and even the nobility and gentry are beginning to panic. While various attempts are made to prevent his stories from seeing the light of day, none are more curious than the sensational kidnapping of Lord Emsworth's prize-winning sow, the Empress of Blandings.