1923. Having established himself as one of the leading writers of his generation Mackenzie embarked on a dazzling literary career which covered fiction, travel, biography, essays, poetry and journalism. He also founded Gramophone, a periodical devoted to reviewing recordings. The book begins: On a June morning in the year 1859 Sir Richard Flower of Barton Flowers in the county of Southampton decided that the weather was propitious for his annual progress on horseback round the confines of his demesne. The order was given to saddle his gray gelding; Lady Flower was informed that her husband would dine two hours later than usual, and upon her expressing alarm at the prospect of so long a fast for him, she was reassured by a farther announcement that he would fortify himself against the strain of waiting until six o'clock for his dinner with light refreshment at one of the outlying farms.