Sir Compton Mackenzie, (1883-1972) was a prolific writer of fiction, biography, histories, and memoir, as well as a cultural commentator, raconteur, and lifelong Scottish nationalist. It is described by Dr. John MacInnes (formerly of the School of Scottish Studies) as "one of the greatest works of English literature produced in the twentieth century." In this book: The Early Life and Adventures of Sylvia, 1918 The Vanity Girl, 1920 Rich Relatives, 1921 Poor Relations, 1919 The Altar Steps, 1922