Fame is the Spur by Howard Spring

On a snowy January night 9 of us settled into our cosy corner at Gatehangers Inn and got stuck into our discussion of this epic book. It was difficult to know where to start until Helen pulled out her superbly prepared notes and led the way.

What's it About? she asked and we replied:

• Politics: early Socialist Labour, the rise of Communism, The Suffragette Movement, Organisation of labour (Miners and Factory Workers), the Class System, Party Political Branding (National Labour)  
• Violence, War and Pacifism: The Peterloo Massacre, 2 World Wars, Spanish Civil War, Russian Revolution,
• Economics and The Great Depression
• Personal lives: friendship, ambition, love, marriage, death, tragedy, loyalty, hardship, relationships
• Fiction: a tale of rags to riches
• Reality: Keir Hardy, Ramsey MacDonald, Engels

This is such a rich book, full of content that touches on so many subjects. It is not a book to be read in a week! Every one of the 640 pages gives the reader something to think about. There is so much to take in and so much to consider. Published in 1940 the novel tells a story that spans the late 1880's through to the late 1930's and yet the similarity to current economic and political times is striking.

"It could have been written yesterday."

The fictional story is of a boy - (John) Hamer Shawcross (born to the housemaid) - who is nurtured by his stepfather and who achieves such career and social 'success' that he (Hamer) himself eventually reflects upon his life with a mix of pride and regret. The title comes from a poem by Milton: 'Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise/(That last infirmity of noble mind)/To scorn delights, and live laborious days.' Certainly the author intended the pun of the penultimate word.

By the end of the story an affinity is built with each of the characters and we were sorry to say goodbye to most of them:

• Gordon - Hamer's stepfather - is a really, really good man. Godly, honest, kind. He accepted John and his mother (Ellen) and asked nothing of them. He took in the Old Warrier (Hamer's hero) and defined that Hamer's future would not be as expected in the area they lived, determined that:  'you will not go to the mill.'
• Hamer Shawcross - think of him as a well groomed John Prestcott. We wanted to dislike Hamer but it is hard to do so. He is a self-made political, hypocritical, showman who appears to have little regard (and even cruelty) for the people who care about him and support him. On the other hand he demonstrates genuine affection for people and takes the time out to be with them when necessary. He is not a nasty character, possibly not even as selfish as he seems. Perhaps he is just a little too driven and ambitious.
• Lizzie is way before her time - philanthropic, full of fun and inspirational, she is her own woman. She channelled her own ambitions through those who, at the time, could represent them and win. Hamer, for Lizzie, was a route to political success.
• Anne is an interesting character who came into her own as a Suffragette and fought hard for the cause. We wonder whether this was due to her genuine commitment to the cause or to fill a void in her life? who knows?
• Hannaway - now that's the man to hate - he was manipulative though arguably more honest and true to himself than Shawcross.
• Ryerson - a gentle, genuine man and his beloved wife (Pen) remained true to their beliefs and did not trade them off for career success. They, and their families, are the characters to love.
• Houst - the German doctor, and his family, also deserved our affection- fallen on poor times after WW1 Houst tells Hamer: "there is no peace, you understand, no peace anywhere except in mans own heart."

There are so many other characters who find their way into the hearts and minds of the reader, sharing their thoughts and adding depth to this tale of the 'ever shifting drama of mankind's agony'.

We are of one accord in our recommendation of this book (it might take a little while to find a copy but it will reward your efforts.)