Gallipoli Memories (1929) by Compton Mackenzie

Book Review by George S. We’ve been reading fiction by Compton Mackenzie this month, but I deviated from the brief slightly by reading an example of his non-fiction. He published Gallipoli Memories in 1929, fourteen years after his participation in the unsuccessful military campaign. He tells us that he had spent years pursuing ‘that elusive … Continue reading →

Fairy Gold by Compton Mackenzie (1926)

A late entry to our run of Compton Mackenzie reviews… Review by Helen C: It is 1917, and young Dick Deverell has been invalided out of the army and posted to man a protective garrison on the islands of Roon and Carrackoon, off the coast of Lyonesse. There he meets the elderly Knight of Romares, … Continue reading →

Rogues and Vagabonds by Compton Mackenzie (1927)

Review by Thecla W: The novel opens in 1829 with a display at Neptune’s Grotto, a pleasure garden in London. Letizia, the lively daughter of Mme Oriano, owner of a firework factory, performs by sliding down a rope as fireworks go off around her. Caleb Fuller, Madame’s business partner, is full of lust for Letizia … Continue reading →

Compton Mackenzie (1883-1972)

Sir Edward Montague Anthony Compton Mackenzie (1883-1972) came from a theatrical and bohemian family. He was the son of the actor/manager Edward Compton Mackenzie, founder of the Compton Comedy Company. His sister, Fay Compton, was an actress particularly famous for starring in the plays of J. M. Barrie in the 1920s. Monty, as he became … Continue reading →