Published in 1896, 'How Jack Mackenzie Won His Epaulettes' by Gordon Stables is a novel set against the backdrop of the Crimean War. It follows the life of young Jack Mackenzie, who dreams of becoming a soldier while grappling with the harsh realities of poverty in Glasgow. The story begins on Christmas Eve, highlighting themes of resilience and the stark contrast between wealth and destitution as Jack's journey unfolds from a destitute boy to an aspiring youth seeking honor and adventure.
