A HANDFUL OF DUST is Evelyn Waugh's scathing commentary on the well-mannered death struggles of the upper classes--an irrepressibly amusing picture of society politely blowing its own brains out, with a defiant smile.

  It tells of Brenda, Tony and their friends--a wonderfully congenial group who live by a unique set of social standards. According to their rules, any sin is acceptable provided it is carried off in good taste.