Outstanding Novel As B.B. C. Serial

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32386, 27 August 1970, Page 3

Outstanding Novel As B.B. C. Serial

Compton Mackenzie’s “Sinister Street” is one of the classics of its age. When it was first published in 1913 it was regarded in some quarters' as shocking indeed the circulating libraries banned it for a tjme. Since then it has sold steadily through the years. It is one of Mackenzie’s early novels, and a very personal work, being the story of a young man passing from youth, through school and university, to young adulthood in the first decade of this century. In spite of being firmly set in its period, the novel retains its original force because it is concerned with the perpetual problems of romantic youth. “Sinister Street” has

received unusual acclaim from literary critics throughout the century; Henry James said it was one of the most remarkable books written by a young author in his lifetime, “at once and the same time so extremely young . . . and so confoundingly mature.” The novel has been dramatised for television by Ray Lawler, probably best known for his stage play, “The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.” Since leaving Australia, and settling in Ireland he has written a number of other plays for television and for the theatre.

The 8.8. C. production of “Sinister Street” six episodes, each about 45 minutes long has been purchased by the N.Z.B.C. Compton Mackenzie, one of Britain’s most prolific novelists, can truthfully be described as a “man of many parts.” At one time or another a soldier, spy-master, traveller, ladies’ hairdresser, gardener, Scottish Nationalist and inveterate island dweller, he is nevertheless best known as a novelist. He has written more than 90 books, of which “Sinister Street” is probably the best known work of fictipn. His background is a literary and theatrical one;

his father and grandfather were both well-known actors, and his sister is Fay Compton. While at Oxford he was offered a seven-year acting contract as a result of his performance as Gratiano in “The Merchant of Venice,” but refused it because of his desire to write.

Knighted in 1952, Compton Mackenzie is very actively engaged in writing his 10volume autobiography “My Life and Times” in which he recalls his life octave by octave, producing one volume a year. He now lives in France.