Viceroys, Vicars, and Vergers

Students reading English Literature are sometimes befuddled by the language. It's English, but 'British' is not quite the same English as it is for people from outside of Great Britain. English literature is among the best in the world, and worthy of study but learning may be hindered by the occasional British-ism, slang, or historic reference. Context may provide clues, but this is not the same thing as really understanding what the author is saying. So Viceroys and Vergers is a lighthearted dictionary to clear up these tricky bits from Shakespeare to Harry Potter. Complete understanding also makes reading more fun. Consider...

What -exactly- is a crumpet?

Is Parliament like Congress? What about the Prime Minister? Where does the monarch fit in?

Bubble-and-squeak, haggis, mushy peas? Is their food really so bland?

So many kings, dukes, and knights? Why? What are they for?

What's with all the servants? Couldn't these people do anything for themselves?