The Altar Steps (1922)

The Altar Steps is a novel written by Compton Mackenzie and first published in 1922. The story is set in the fictional Scottish town of Essendean and follows the lives of three young men - Denis, Terry, and Dan - as they navigate their way through adolescence and into adulthood. Denis is the son of a wealthy family and is expected to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a lawyer. However, he is more interested in literature and has a passion for writing. Terry is the son of a poor fisherman and dreams of escaping his small town and making a name for himself in the world. Dan is the son of a local minister and struggles with his faith, eventually turning to atheism. As the three friends grow older, they each face their own challenges and struggles. Denis struggles with his desire to write and his family's expectations of him. Terry becomes involved in a political movement and falls in love with a woman who is engaged to someone else. Dan's atheism causes tension with his family and the community. The Altar Steps is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, friendship, class, and faith. Mackenzie's writing is known for its sharp wit and social commentary, and this novel is no exception. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a glimpse into life in early 20th century Scotland.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.