TRIBUTE was paid today to an internationally-recognised Greenock writer who was born 150 years ago this month — and whose books were burned by the Nazis.

John Henry Mackay was a poet, writer and philosopher, and a major figure on the European literary stage.

Cameron Shepherd, a former Inverclyde Royal Hospital doctor, has long had an interest in Mackay and has read much of his work.

The ex-consultant is keen to keep Mackay’s memory alive on the anniversary of his birth.

Mr Shepherd said: “Having strong Greenock connections myself, I am keen that his memory is not forgotten.

“His books were translated into all major European languages.

“His poetry is still commonly heard, and his influence on 20th century thought was pervasive.

“That his name is not more widely known is because he was brought up in Germany as a native German speaker.

“He was born in Greenock’s Union Street on 6 February 1864, the son of John Farquar Mackay, a marine insurance broker, and his young German wife Auguste Louise Ehlers.” It was as a poet that Mackay first achieved fame in his early 20s.

Several of his poems are well known as the lyrics of songs by Richard Strauss, the most famous being ‘Morgen’, or Morning.

Enthusiast Mr Shepherd said: “His first major novel ‘The Anarchists’ (Die Anarchisten), published in 1901 and translated into English, was an immediate hit in both languages.

“Mackay’s biography and analysis of 19th century German philosopher Max Stirner propelled both of them to international fame, particularly in the USA. It was during the First World War that he published what is generally regarded as his greatest novel ‘The Freedomseeker’ (Der Freiheitsucher).

“The war and its aftermath proved a watershed for Mackay — he knew poverty for the first time and wrote his way out of his difficulties.

“His last years were a struggle, made more threatening by the rise of Hitler.

“It was in the year of the Nazis’ assumption of power, 1933, that he died.

“His burial in an obscure Berlin churchyard was attended by only five friends.

“His books were immediately put on the Nazi forbidden list.

“He was a major figure whose flame burned early but who continues to be celebrated, and his writings kept in print by the adherents to his particular brand of anarchist thought.

“There can be few writers from Greenock who can claim the distinction of having their books burned by the Nazis!”