Hailed as "an utter delight, the most brilliant witty and charming book I have read since I can't remember when" by The New York Times when it was originally published in 1956, Rose Macaulay's ''The Towers of Trebizond'' tells the gleefully absurd story of Aunt Dot, Father Chantry-Pigg, Aunt Dot's deranged camel, and our narrator, Laurie, who are traveling from Istanbul to legendary Trebizond on a convoluted mission. Along the way they will encounter spies, a Greek sorcerer, a precocious a...

The novel is set in a dystopian future where the government controls reproduction and enforces strict regulations on marriage to maintain social order and prevent the birth of "undesirable" children. Through satire and humor, Macaulay explores themes of eugenics, government control, and individual freedom."What Not" is considered a pioneering work of science fiction, as it anticipates developments in the field of eugenics and raises questions about the ethical implications of scientific pr...

In "Dangerous Ages," Rose Macaulay explores the lives and experiences of women at different stages of adulthood, particularly focusing on the challenges and changes they face as they navigate relationships, careers, and societal expectations. The title suggests that the novel delves into the complexities and uncertainties associated with various stages of life.Set against the backdrop of post-World War I England, "Dangerous Ages" likely offers readers a nuanced portrayal of the social and ...

The story is set in Geneva, Switzerland, and revolves around a series of mysterious events that occur in the city. The protagonist, Mrs. Adela Priestley, finds herself embroiled in these unusual occurrences as she becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, secrets, and unexpected twists.As Mrs. Priestley delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Geneva, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The novel likely combines elements of mystery, ...

In "The Making of a Bigot," Rose Macaulay presents a nuanced exploration of societal prejudices and the psychological underpinnings of intolerance. Written with Macaulay's characteristic wit and incisive prose, the book deftly navigates the interplay between personal narratives and broader cultural contexts, allowing readers to grasp the mechanisms that foster bigotry. Through a blend of satire and serious reflection, she critiques the social constructs that lead individuals to adopt narro...

In "The Lee Shore," Macaulay likely explores themes of love, relationships, and societal expectations. The title itself suggests a nautical reference, with the lee shore representing a sheltered area away from the wind and waves. This metaphor may symbolize a safe harbor or refuge in the tumultuous seas of life.The novel may follow the lives of its characters as they navigate personal challenges, romantic entanglements, and the complexities of social norms and expectations. Macaulay's writ...

Rose Macaulay's final and most successful novel, The Towers of Trebizond is a partly autobiographical novel which follows the adventures of a group of people travelling from Istanbul to Trebizond.

Dame Emilie Rose Macaulay (1881 – 1958) was an English writerThis collection contains 7 of the novels she wrote in her early years of writing:The FurnaceThe Lee ShoreNon-Combatants and OthersWhat Not: A Prophetic ComedyPotterism - A Tragi-Farcical TractDangerous AgesMystery At Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings

An early novel by Rose Macaulay about a government program of compulsory selective breeding in a dystopian future England.In a near-future England, a new government entity—the Ministry of Brains—attempts to stave off idiocracy through a program of compulsory selective breeding. Kitty Grammont, who shares the author's own ambivalent attitude to life, gets involved in the Ministry's propaganda efforts, which are detailed with an entertaining thoroughness. However, wh...

The Lee Shore by Rose Macaulay is a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, personal desires, and the challenges of navigating life in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of emotional turmoil, the story follows the lives of individuals whose internal conflicts and societal pressures shape their interactions and destinies. As the narrative unfolds, it highlights themes of love, loyalty, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems indifferent to ...

The term "Potterism" in the title refers to the pervasive influence of tabloid journalism and the dissemination of sensationalized news, often filled with inaccuracies and biased perspectives. The novel critiques the power of the press and its manipulation of public opinion, focusing on the role of media moguls in shaping societal beliefs and values.Through biting satire and wit, Macaulay examines the consequences of sensationalized reporting, fake news, and the creation of public hysteria...

"Non-combatants and Others" is a collection of interconnected stories that provide a multifaceted view of life during wartime. The novel depicts the experiences of various characters, both on the home front and in the war zones, highlighting their struggles, anxieties, and moments of resilience.The stories encompass a wide range of perspectives, including those of soldiers, civilians, nurses, journalists, and others affected by the war. Through these diverse voices, Macaulay offers a nuanc...