Paperback published by Richard Pitcairn-Knowles, £10
John McRobbie Gordon, better known as JM Gordon, was in his time, a singer, actor, stage manager and director, but is best known as influential long-time director of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, taking over the duties after the death of W. S. Gilbert, a man he greatly admired.
JM was born in Aberdeen and his memoirs have been penned by his great niece after she inherited the manuscript for it. The book tells of his early years in Aberdeen and follows him to London where he fulfilled his dream of a stage career. Elizabeth’s work allows JM’s voice to be heard and lets his views be known which should of great interest to fans of Gilbert and Sullivan.
A cheerful read it also reveals the many sacrifices he made in order to become a success but also serves as a sharp reminder of how hard life was for ordinary people a century ago.
Book Review: The Memoirs of J M Gordon 1856-1944 by Elizabeth Benney
