Angus Macnab facts for kids

John Angus Macnab (1906–1977) was a British writer and translator. He became interested in the Catholic faith, influenced by writers like G. K. Chesterton. He was also involved in politics for a time. Later in life, he became known for his writings about medieval Spain and for translating old Latin and Greek poems.

Early Life and Education

John Macnab was born in London in 1906. His parents were from New Zealand and Scotland. His father was a famous eye doctor. John went to good schools, Rugby School and Christ Church, Oxford University. He became a Catholic and loved climbing mountains. Even though he was good at translating, he decided to become a schoolteacher after university.

Involvement in Politics

During the 1930s, John Macnab lived with a politician named William Joyce. They became very close friends. Macnab joined a political group called the British Union of Fascists (BUF). He worked in their propaganda department. He also helped edit their newspaper, The Blackshirt.

In 1937, William Joyce left the BUF. Macnab was very loyal to Joyce. He even complained to the leader, Oswald Mosley. This caused a big argument. Macnab was then forced to leave the group.

After this, Macnab joined Joyce and another politician, John Beckett. They formed a new group called the National Socialist League. This group did not gain much support. Just before World War II started, Macnab traveled to Belgium with Joyce. They met a journalist there. Then they traveled to Berlin, Germany. Joyce stayed in Germany, but Macnab returned to Britain right after the war began. He said he would not help Britain's enemies.

Wartime Experiences

At the start of World War II, Macnab worked as an ambulance driver. However, he was soon held by the government. This was because of his past political views. He was the first person to identify William Joyce as "Lord Haw Haw." Lord Haw Haw was a mysterious voice on German radio. A journalist asked Macnab to listen to recordings. Macnab recognized his old friend's voice.

After William Joyce was captured, Macnab remained loyal to him. He joined Joyce's brother in trying to appeal his death sentence. However, their attempt was not successful.

Later Life and Writings

In 1938, Macnab became very interested in traditional Catholic ideas. He was influenced by writers like G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc. Around the same time, he became fascinated with Spain.

In 1945, after World War II ended, he moved to Toledo, Spain. He settled there with his wife, Catherine Collins. She was also involved in the BUF before. They had three children, all born in Spain. They lived in a city square called Plaza de Santo Tomé. Macnab earned a living by teaching English and translating. He also continued to write. He stayed in touch with A. K. Chesterton for many years. However, he did not take part in active politics anymore.

Developing New Interests

In the mid-1950s, Macnab read a book called Peaks and Lamas by Marco Pallis. This book deeply affected him. It introduced him to a way of thinking called "traditionalist thought." He wrote to Pallis to thank him. Pallis then suggested that Macnab read the works of René Guénon and Frithjof Schuon. Macnab followed this advice.

Macnab visited Schuon in Switzerland in 1957. They stayed in contact until Macnab's death in Madrid in 1977. While living in Spain, Macnab had many important visitors from Britain and the United States. These included famous novelists like Evelyn Waugh and James Michener.

Published Works

Macnab's studies of the history of Moorish Spain led to two books. These were Spain under the Crescent Moon and Toledo, Sacred and Profane. He also wrote several articles. These were published in a London journal from 1965 to 1968. He also wrote a book called Bulls of Iberia. A famous critic described it as "awesomely good." In an article, William Stoddart praised Macnab. He called him a leading Catholic thinker. He also said Macnab wrote a fascinating study of the Spanish Middle Ages.

Selected Works

• Spain under the Crescent Moon, Fons Vitae, Louisville KY, 1999.
• Toledo, Sacred and Profane (unpublished)
• Bulls of Iberia, Heinemann, London, 1957.

See also

• Perennial Philosophy
• Traditionalist school