William Mackay on T. W. Robertson's Play "School"

Step into the bustling world of Victorian theatre and journalism through the eyes of a young law student discovering his voice. The work opens with a lively exchange of letters to the Times, where a mystery‑laden critique questions the originality of T. W. Robertson’s hit comedy “School.” As the debate unfolds, readers meet the sharp‑tongued correspondent who insists the play is merely a translation of a German favourite, setting the stage for a broader conversation about authorship and public taste.

Against this backdrop, William Mackay recounts how the controversy sparked his first published piece, marking the launch of a career that would soon dominate newspapers. His swift, witty essay not only defends Robertson but also showcases the emerging style of newspaper criticism that mixed earnest analysis with lively prose. The book offers a vivid snapshot of 1860s cultural life, illustrating how a single theatrical dispute could ignite a lifelong literary journey.