Norman MacKenzie (journalist)

Norman MacKenzie (1921-2013) was a British journalist, historian, and academic, best known for his work with the New Statesman.

Life and Career:

Born in London, MacKenzie was educated at the London School of Economics. He began his career as a journalist, focusing on political and social issues. He joined the New Statesman in the 1940s and rose to become a prominent figure in the magazine's editorial team. He was heavily involved in the New Statesman's coverage of the post-war social changes and the rise of the welfare state.

MacKenzie was also a respected historian, particularly of the Fabian Society and British social history. He co-authored, with his wife Jeanne MacKenzie, several influential books on these subjects. He held academic positions, including a professorship at the University of Sussex, where he taught social policy.

Significant Works:

• The First Fabians (1961, with Jeanne MacKenzie)
• Socialism and Society (1967)
• H.G. Wells: A Biography (1973)

Legacy:

Norman MacKenzie's work as a journalist and historian contributed significantly to the understanding of British social and political history, particularly the history of the socialist movement. His writings remain valuable resources for scholars studying the Fabian Society and the development of the welfare state in Britain. He is remembered for his insightful analysis and his commitment to social justice.