LIBER'S NOTE-BOOK

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2360, 16 January 1915, Page 5

LIBER'S NOTE-BOOK

Those who Twid and onjoyed Coinptnn Muokenzio's lino story," "Sinister Street," published ill 101 a, will be glad to jviiow tlint copies of the sequel ("Sinister Street, Vol. 11") aro expected in New Zealand about the middle ol tins month. Tho author now takes liis hero, Miclmol Fiine, lo Oxi '')i 10 - '* rs ' i " l 0 ' >00 ' t ('wilii'K wholly with tho youny limit's four years of university lil'o. Then ho comes up to London nud mcots with many strango oxnci'iences, in tho undei'in tfio cout'so of his search for tho Lily of tho earlier part of tho story. Air. Mackenzie finally leaves his hero ill Bonio, and hints at tho probability of his joining the Iloman communion. The story has been most fnvourably received by tho Homo papers. A third instalment of tho adventures, worldly and spiritual, of Michael Fano is, it is understood, to follow next year, although towards tile close of tho second instalment it is hinted that the author lias had enough of liis creation.

The author of these remarkable stones. Mr. Montague Co nip ton Mackenzie—lie himself drops the Montague—is, I road, a son of Mr. Edward Compton, a well-known English actor, and grandson, therefore, of toe once' farnous English actor, Henry Compton, ivho played so long with Buckstone and afterwards with the Kendals. Compton was a stago name, the family name 113ing Mackenzie. Sir Morell Mackenzie, tho eminent throat specialist, is an uncle of tho rising young novelist who, by tho way, is still only thirty-two. Compton Mackenzie was educated at St. Paul's School, some lively sketches of life at which institution are a feature of "Sinister Street," and went on to Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1911 he published his first novel, "The Passionate Elopement," and in the following year, made a distinct hit with bis story of _ theatrical life, "Carnival." Ono of his sisters, Miss Fay Compton, was a leading member of "the famous "Follies," and eventually married tho manager, H. G. Pelissier." Mr. Mackenzie himself has been on the stage.

Apropos to "Dizzy" I came across a curious reference to his early literary triumphs the other day in a book of reminiscences, "A Great Peace-maker" —the Diary of James Gallatin, secretary to Albert Gallatin, U.S. Envoy to France and England, 1813-1827. One extract from the Diary runs:— "AVe dined with the Duke of Devonshire yesterday, at his house in Piccadilly. He is a most gracious host. Snappy Charles Greville, always asking questions and taking notes, was there. A book balled 'Vivian Grey,' published by Colburn and immensely puffed, appeared last year. There were many surmises as to who the author was. Great names were mentioned and there was much speculation on the matter. It now turns out to bo by a quite unknown .youth called Disraeli, a Jew. Greville bad the audacity to say ho knew who the author was from the first. Father thought well, of the book."

Th >! November issue of "The Bookman (Hodder ad Stoughton) has for its mam feature a special article on War Books which will be found a very useful guide to this class of literature. Another excellent feature is a long article on Henry Newbolt, of whom an excellent portrait is given as a supplement.