In this fast-paced spy thriller, a self-described "ordinary fellow" stumbles upon a plot involving not only espionage and murder but also the future of Britain itself. Richard Hannay arrives in London on the eve of World War I, where he encounters an American agent seeking help in preventing a political assassination. Before long, Hannay finds himself in possession of a little black book that holds the key to the conspiracy-and on the run from both the police and members of a mysterious organization that will stop at ...
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In this fast-paced spy thriller, a self-described "ordinary fellow" stumbles upon a plot involving not only espionage and murder but also the future of Britain itself. Richard Hannay arrives in London on the eve of World War I, where he encounters an American agent seeking help in preventing a political assassination. Before long, Hannay finds himself in possession of a little black book that holds the key to the conspiracy-and on the run from both the police and members of a mysterious organization that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
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I was delighted to find a first edition, second printing copy of 39 steps at such a great price and in such good condition. It starts to make up for the disappointment of the copy of Greenmantle that I got through you which was very poor - I thought much worse than the description had led me to expect.
These 2 books are the invention of the spy thriller, and anyone not familiar with them should try this bit of history.
ghmus7
Dec 2, 2007
One of the Greatest of Suspense novels
If Buchan had written only this book, and possibly one other, such as "The Three Hostages" he would live in literary fame. As it is, he wrote dozens of books, as well as experiencing a very sucessful career in canadian politics. This book is a riviting accout of a life and death chase. In typical style, Buchan spares no excitment from the reader, and his vivid and wide-ranging imagination is put to good use. The dialect of the 'local color' add to the reaslism and pleasure of the book. Surley one of the Greatest of Suspense novels, at least Hitchcock thought so!
