Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson is the first novel in the beloved Mapp and Lucia series. Set in the fictional English village of Tilling, the book introduces readers to the dominant and charming character of Lucia, a self-proclaimed queen of social life in her community.

Lucia’s efforts to assert her social superiority and influence are depicted with sharp wit and humor. Her interactions with the other villagers, including her rival Mapp, lead to a series of comic and often farcical situations. Benson’s satire provides a humorous commentary on social ambition and the dynamics of small-town life.

Queen Lucia is celebrated for its satirical portrayal of social status and its lively characterizations. The novel's keen observations and delightful humor make it a classic of early 20th-century British fiction.