Rogues and vagabonds

"Rogues and Vagabonds" by Compton MacKenzie is a novel written in the early 20th century. It captures the whimsical and vibrant world of London's pleasure gardens through the lens of theatrical and pyrotechnic spectacles. The narrative revolves around Letizia Oriano, a young woman poised to perform a daring act at "Neptune's Grotto," a tavern that embodies an era on the cusp of change, hinting at societal transformations and personal conflicts interwoven with the drama of her mother's ambitions. The opening of "Rogues and Vagabonds" introduces readers to "Neptune's Grotto" and the excitement of a fireworks show produced by Madame Oriano, Letizia’s mother. Set in 1829, the chapter captures a lively scene filled with patrons drawn to the spectacle of light and sound. As Madame prepares for the grand finale that features Letizia, we witness the underlying tension through the characters' interactions, particularly Letizia's defiance and Caleb Fuller's brooding jealousy. This dynamic unfolds against a backdrop of encroaching modernization, signaling changes that threaten traditional pleasures and relationships, setting the tone for the intertwining lives of these colorful characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Edward Montague Compton Mackenzie, was a Scottish writer of fiction, biography, histories and a memoir, as well as a cultural commentator, raconteur and lifelong Scottish nationalist. He was one of the co-founders in 1928 of the National Party of Scotland along with Hugh MacDiarmid, R. B. Cunninghame Graham and John MacCormick. He was knighted in the 1952 Birthday Honours List.