A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A chap for all seasons, 17 Oct 2005
These books are a great read; not too deep, great thrillers and set the tone of the period perfectly. All we need now is someone brave enough to make a film of "Greenmantle"!

Marvellous!, 04 Dec 2004
I had no idea there were more Buchan novels beyond 39 Steps and only discovered the rest by accident. What a happy find! I am writing a fairly contemporaneous novel and thought this collection would make good research material, but I have to confess I haven't done much key-pounding since I bought it. All the tales are equally deserving of five stars but the descriptions of battle in Mr Standfast are quite outstanding. It's almost like being there, and the end, though terribly melodramatic, is very affecting. Even the endless improbable coincidences seem perfectly acceptable in this sort of writing. Yes, there is racism, homophobia, xenophobia, class snobbery, you name it, but somehow it all seems terribly innocent, even comical, to modern eyes and really doesn't matter. Just don't go calling anyone a 'kaffir' in modern South Africa or they'll lock you up!

Not much I can add..., 23 Jan 2004
Other reviewers have made lengthy comments on this compilation and I cannot add much to them. This is a fine collection of stories that keep you turning the pages. If you loved the film adaptations of 'The 39 Steps', you should get this book in order to read the original story and then move on to enjoy the other excellent stories.

an omnibus edition of classic page-turning suspense, 04 May 2000
As its title suggests, this edition brings together in one volume all the adventures of John Buchan's hero, from his first appearance in The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) to his swan-song in The Island of Sheep (1936). Here is the perfect book for those who may have met Richard Hannay in his first and most famous outing - either in print or in Hitchcock's famous movie - and would like to follow his subsequent adventures. The Thirty-Nine Steps is often regarded as the first modern spy story (with the possible exception of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands - also worth a look), and its breathless pace as its narrator is first pursued by and then pursues a network of German spies against the backdrop of the First World War, remains as effective today as when it was written. The two following books in the series, Greenmantle (1916)and Mr Standfast (1919) also pit Hannay against the might of the Kaiser (he even meets him on one occasion while posing as a pro-German Boer...), taking him across Europe and the Near East. We are also intoduced to his comrades-in-arms: multi-lingual Scottish laird and master of disguise, Sandy Arbuthnot; larger-than-life American industrialist Blenkiron; and Hannay's future wife, the feisty Mary Lamington. The final two books, The Three Hostages (1924) and the Island of Sheep are set after the War, mainly in Britain, and Hannay's adversaries this time are master criminals rather than spies, but the page-turning suspense is every bit as intense, as Hannay races against the clock to bring the malefactors to book... Hannay is a very likeable hero, more complex than the "stiff upper lip" stereotype might suggest. In many ways, he resembles the central characters of Dick Francis's racing thrillers. Like them, Hannay is no intellectual, but he is highly intelligent and has a healthy disrespect for gung-ho heroics. He is, moreover, a perceptive observer of the natural world, and brings a wry - and infectious - sense of humour to his study of human foibles. All in all, John Buchan's "shockers" (as their author called his Hannay stories) deserve a much wider audience and this Penguin omnibus edition is thus to be applauded.

A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A chap for all seasons, 17 Oct 2005
These books are a great read; not too deep, great thrillers and set the tone of the period perfectly. All we need now is someone brave enough to make a film of "Greenmantle"!

Marvellous!, 04 Dec 2004
I had no idea there were more Buchan novels beyond 39 Steps and only discovered the rest by accident. What a happy find! I am writing a fairly contemporaneous novel and thought this collection would make good research material, but I have to confess I haven't done much key-pounding since I bought it. All the tales are equally deserving of five stars but the descriptions of battle in Mr Standfast are quite outstanding. It's almost like being there, and the end, though terribly melodramatic, is very affecting. Even the endless improbable coincidences seem perfectly acceptable in this sort of writing. Yes, there is racism, homophobia, xenophobia, class snobbery, you name it, but somehow it all seems terribly innocent, even comical, to modern eyes and really doesn't matter. Just don't go calling anyone a 'kaffir' in modern South Africa or they'll lock you up!

Not much I can add..., 23 Jan 2004
Other reviewers have made lengthy comments on this compilation and I cannot add much to them. This is a fine collection of stories that keep you turning the pages. If you loved the film adaptations of 'The 39 Steps', you should get this book in order to read the original story and then move on to enjoy the other excellent stories.

an omnibus edition of classic page-turning suspense, 04 May 2000
As its title suggests, this edition brings together in one volume all the adventures of John Buchan's hero, from his first appearance in The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) to his swan-song in The Island of Sheep (1936). Here is the perfect book for those who may have met Richard Hannay in his first and most famous outing - either in print or in Hitchcock's famous movie - and would like to follow his subsequent adventures. The Thirty-Nine Steps is often regarded as the first modern spy story (with the possible exception of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands - also worth a look), and its breathless pace as its narrator is first pursued by and then pursues a network of German spies against the backdrop of the First World War, remains as effective today as when it was written. The two following books in the series, Greenmantle (1916)and Mr Standfast (1919) also pit Hannay against the might of the Kaiser (he even meets him on one occasion while posing as a pro-German Boer...), taking him across Europe and the Near East. We are also intoduced to his comrades-in-arms: multi-lingual Scottish laird and master of disguise, Sandy Arbuthnot; larger-than-life American industrialist Blenkiron; and Hannay's future wife, the feisty Mary Lamington. The final two books, The Three Hostages (1924) and the Island of Sheep are set after the War, mainly in Britain, and Hannay's adversaries this time are master criminals rather than spies, but the page-turning suspense is every bit as intense, as Hannay races against the clock to bring the malefactors to book... Hannay is a very likeable hero, more complex than the "stiff upper lip" stereotype might suggest. In many ways, he resembles the central characters of Dick Francis's racing thrillers. Like them, Hannay is no intellectual, but he is highly intelligent and has a healthy disrespect for gung-ho heroics. He is, moreover, a perceptive observer of the natural world, and brings a wry - and infectious - sense of humour to his study of human foibles. All in all, John Buchan's "shockers" (as their author called his Hannay stories) deserve a much wider audience and this Penguin omnibus edition is thus to be applauded.

The best Buchan, bar one..., 21 Nov 2008
Daft, unrealistic, and enormously good fun. Don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Hannay is a older and far more engaging character in the style of Alex Rider, or James bond. Think a cross between Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic and Bond, and you won't go far wrong. This book will definitely find it's way onto the book shelves of all my teen aged male relatives.

Adrenaline in print, nicely packaged, 25 Jul 2008
This edition of John Buchan's "The 39 Steps" is beautifully designed and produced. I love the retro cover design and the substantial no-nonsense feel of the paper.

The story itself may seem simplistic and far-fetched to modern readers but one has to remember that this was written at a time when books were the main medium for adventure tales, not films or games! In this respect, the writing succeeds in spinning a compelling yarn and building up suspense. You're left in no doubt as to who is good, who is bad and what their motives are: "there was something weird and devilish in those eyes, cold, malignant, unearthly and most hellishly clever."

Yes, the situations may seem far-fetched and yes, the hero seems unbelievably resourceful and capable, but I believe that John Buchan was well aware that he was writing in a particular "genre". Overall, this is a wonderful piece of escapism from another time and eminently readable.

A classic, 09 Oct 2007
Small as it is (barely a hundred pages), this book amply makes up for that lack of quantity by its sheer quality. Richard Hannay has just returned from South Africa and is barely back in London when a man is found murdered in his rooms ('There was a long knife through his heart which skewered him to the floor.' Don't you just love this kind of stuff? I know I do!). He sets out for his native Scotland, always just a step ahead of the police... not once does the pace of the story slacken until the very end, and you'll be reading it teeth on edge.

'The thirty-nine steps' was first published in 1915, but in my opinion it's still one of the very best suspense stories ever!

The Thirty Nine Steps - John Buchan, 23 Sep 2007
I find it hard to give a loved classic as this less than the full five stars, however, despite all that this book has going for it, i cant bring myself to give it full marks.

This book, although undoubtedly good, and full of things which will make readers keep turning the pages is missing something.

Im definatley a fan of the thirty nine steps, but the ending is somewhat dissapointing, and i didnt get the same feeling of satisfaction from finishing this as ive got from several other books recently.
If you get a chance, pick this book up and enjoy the way its written, its charms, quirks and characters; just dont expect fireworks.

Splendid read!, 02 Aug 2007
I don't know how I got by without having read this book until now. A wonderful little story. It made me hungry for more of this "easy-reading" and I just started on the Penguin "The Complete Richard Hannay"...
I hope this series is continued.

A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A chap for all seasons, 17 Oct 2005
These books are a great read; not too deep, great thrillers and set the tone of the period perfectly. All we need now is someone brave enough to make a film of "Greenmantle"!

Marvellous!, 04 Dec 2004
I had no idea there were more Buchan novels beyond 39 Steps and only discovered the rest by accident. What a happy find! I am writing a fairly contemporaneous novel and thought this collection would make good research material, but I have to confess I haven't done much key-pounding since I bought it. All the tales are equally deserving of five stars but the descriptions of battle in Mr Standfast are quite outstanding. It's almost like being there, and the end, though terribly melodramatic, is very affecting. Even the endless improbable coincidences seem perfectly acceptable in this sort of writing. Yes, there is racism, homophobia, xenophobia, class snobbery, you name it, but somehow it all seems terribly innocent, even comical, to modern eyes and really doesn't matter. Just don't go calling anyone a 'kaffir' in modern South Africa or they'll lock you up!

Not much I can add..., 23 Jan 2004
Other reviewers have made lengthy comments on this compilation and I cannot add much to them. This is a fine collection of stories that keep you turning the pages. If you loved the film adaptations of 'The 39 Steps', you should get this book in order to read the original story and then move on to enjoy the other excellent stories.

an omnibus edition of classic page-turning suspense, 04 May 2000
As its title suggests, this edition brings together in one volume all the adventures of John Buchan's hero, from his first appearance in The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) to his swan-song in The Island of Sheep (1936). Here is the perfect book for those who may have met Richard Hannay in his first and most famous outing - either in print or in Hitchcock's famous movie - and would like to follow his subsequent adventures. The Thirty-Nine Steps is often regarded as the first modern spy story (with the possible exception of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands - also worth a look), and its breathless pace as its narrator is first pursued by and then pursues a network of German spies against the backdrop of the First World War, remains as effective today as when it was written. The two following books in the series, Greenmantle (1916)and Mr Standfast (1919) also pit Hannay against the might of the Kaiser (he even meets him on one occasion while posing as a pro-German Boer...), taking him across Europe and the Near East. We are also intoduced to his comrades-in-arms: multi-lingual Scottish laird and master of disguise, Sandy Arbuthnot; larger-than-life American industrialist Blenkiron; and Hannay's future wife, the feisty Mary Lamington. The final two books, The Three Hostages (1924) and the Island of Sheep are set after the War, mainly in Britain, and Hannay's adversaries this time are master criminals rather than spies, but the page-turning suspense is every bit as intense, as Hannay races against the clock to bring the malefactors to book... Hannay is a very likeable hero, more complex than the "stiff upper lip" stereotype might suggest. In many ways, he resembles the central characters of Dick Francis's racing thrillers. Like them, Hannay is no intellectual, but he is highly intelligent and has a healthy disrespect for gung-ho heroics. He is, moreover, a perceptive observer of the natural world, and brings a wry - and infectious - sense of humour to his study of human foibles. All in all, John Buchan's "shockers" (as their author called his Hannay stories) deserve a much wider audience and this Penguin omnibus edition is thus to be applauded.

The best Buchan, bar one..., 21 Nov 2008
Daft, unrealistic, and enormously good fun. Don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Hannay is a older and far more engaging character in the style of Alex Rider, or James bond. Think a cross between Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic and Bond, and you won't go far wrong. This book will definitely find it's way onto the book shelves of all my teen aged male relatives.

Adrenaline in print, nicely packaged, 25 Jul 2008
This edition of John Buchan's "The 39 Steps" is beautifully designed and produced. I love the retro cover design and the substantial no-nonsense feel of the paper.

The story itself may seem simplistic and far-fetched to modern readers but one has to remember that this was written at a time when books were the main medium for adventure tales, not films or games! In this respect, the writing succeeds in spinning a compelling yarn and building up suspense. You're left in no doubt as to who is good, who is bad and what their motives are: "there was something weird and devilish in those eyes, cold, malignant, unearthly and most hellishly clever."

Yes, the situations may seem far-fetched and yes, the hero seems unbelievably resourceful and capable, but I believe that John Buchan was well aware that he was writing in a particular "genre". Overall, this is a wonderful piece of escapism from another time and eminently readable.

A classic, 09 Oct 2007
Small as it is (barely a hundred pages), this book amply makes up for that lack of quantity by its sheer quality. Richard Hannay has just returned from South Africa and is barely back in London when a man is found murdered in his rooms ('There was a long knife through his heart which skewered him to the floor.' Don't you just love this kind of stuff? I know I do!). He sets out for his native Scotland, always just a step ahead of the police... not once does the pace of the story slacken until the very end, and you'll be reading it teeth on edge.

'The thirty-nine steps' was first published in 1915, but in my opinion it's still one of the very best suspense stories ever!

The Thirty Nine Steps - John Buchan, 23 Sep 2007
I find it hard to give a loved classic as this less than the full five stars, however, despite all that this book has going for it, i cant bring myself to give it full marks.

This book, although undoubtedly good, and full of things which will make readers keep turning the pages is missing something.

Im definatley a fan of the thirty nine steps, but the ending is somewhat dissapointing, and i didnt get the same feeling of satisfaction from finishing this as ive got from several other books recently.
If you get a chance, pick this book up and enjoy the way its written, its charms, quirks and characters; just dont expect fireworks.

Splendid read!, 02 Aug 2007
I don't know how I got by without having read this book until now. A wonderful little story. It made me hungry for more of this "easy-reading" and I just started on the Penguin "The Complete Richard Hannay"...
I hope this series is continued.

Great escapism, 21 Nov 2008
a really good book to dip in and out of, I use it whenever I need some escapism. It's got enough excitement to keep you interested, as well as some beautiful description of the Scottish highlands. Perhaps not one for those of you who disagree with blood sports though.

Escapism from a different age, 03 Feb 2008
This is a fantastic book - my ultimate all time comfort read. The story of three great men seeking to recapture the excitement of life in Scotland's incomparable highlands through the pre-confessed poaching of a stag or a salmon on neighbouring estates. It is beautifully written and, while an essentially gentle story, gripping. I must have read it 100 times and still, when my mind is troubled, I go back to it. "Pride and Prejudice" for men.

A book that makes you yearn for the great outdoors, 18 Jan 2008
Other commentators have concentrated on the huntin', shootin', fishin' aspects of this book and they are certainly right to do so, but by doing so they perhaps miss what a great paean to the great Scottish countryside this is. In common with much of Buchan's work, the action takes place predominantly outdoors and he is so comfortable in his effortless description of place that it is a true joy to read. Sure the book has the class distinctions of its time but you can visit the Western Highlands even now and see how accurate and compelling his writing is. Also the "manhunt" aspects of the book surely appeal to the hunter in all of us "men of a certain age", who habitually watch Top Gear and would still like to nip out for a quick game of "Best Man Fall"

One last thing, whilst I adore the Richard Hannay books, may I guide those of you who have still to discover the genius of John Buchan (and please read his biographies for justification of my attaching that word to him) to read the "Dickson McCunn" books, Huntingtower, Castle Gay and The House of the Four Winds. These are light, easy to read, surprisingly suspenseful and throughly rollicking reads that today's authors just cannot hope to match.

I notice that a number of Buchan's books are being re-published so I hope that many more people will get beyond The Thirty Nine Steps to see what a marvelous legacy of works Buchan has left us.


The Great Game, 03 Oct 2007
A comfortable read, John Buchan in top form on his home ground, writing about the blood sports he loves.

This book really should not work, as our heroes admit at the beginning of the story, their motivation for their adventures is merely to avoid boredom; As is clear at the end, the risks they have exposed themselves are all quite bogus. Why on Earth should the modern reader care about three patrician Tory squires playing at being rebels?

Simply, the reader cares because of the easy charm of our author, he engages our interest and sympathies so that it is impossible not to root for our eminent trio and their various assistants.

Also, although contrived, the tale is far from bloodless, Buchan always approaches his adventures as sporting contests anyway, no matter how high the odds, so the challenges thrown down by "John Macnab" suit his tone perfectly.

The night fishing exploits of Edward Leithen are perhaps the most memorable passages in the book, but all the sporting pursuits are well drawn, and with obvious knowledge and affection to draw on.

The highly class bound society shown here may seem off-putting to modern tastes, but Buchan is so assured, so certain of the rightness of the world he describes, it is impossible not to accept his preconceptions and simply enjoy a rattling story.

Excellent !, 30 Nov 1999
Whether you are familiar with this story from school or finding it for the first time, it makes for an excellent read. It carries an excellent 'sense of place' and, forgiving the minor details that date it, it is as applicable today as ever it was.

If you are going on holiday to Scotland and want to understand something of its' sporting history and development you could do no better than read this book. If you are visiting Scotland to fish or stalk and have not read this book - why not ! If you have already stalked or fished in Scotland and want to conjur up the memories then dive in.

A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A chap for all seasons, 17 Oct 2005
These books are a great read; not too deep, great thrillers and set the tone of the period perfectly. All we need now is someone brave enough to make a film of "Greenmantle"!

Marvellous!, 04 Dec 2004
I had no idea there were more Buchan novels beyond 39 Steps and only discovered the rest by accident. What a happy find! I am writing a fairly contemporaneous novel and thought this collection would make good research material, but I have to confess I haven't done much key-pounding since I bought it. All the tales are equally deserving of five stars but the descriptions of battle in Mr Standfast are quite outstanding. It's almost like being there, and the end, though terribly melodramatic, is very affecting. Even the endless improbable coincidences seem perfectly acceptable in this sort of writing. Yes, there is racism, homophobia, xenophobia, class snobbery, you name it, but somehow it all seems terribly innocent, even comical, to modern eyes and really doesn't matter. Just don't go calling anyone a 'kaffir' in modern South Africa or they'll lock you up!

Not much I can add..., 23 Jan 2004
Other reviewers have made lengthy comments on this compilation and I cannot add much to them. This is a fine collection of stories that keep you turning the pages. If you loved the film adaptations of 'The 39 Steps', you should get this book in order to read the original story and then move on to enjoy the other excellent stories.

an omnibus edition of classic page-turning suspense, 04 May 2000
As its title suggests, this edition brings together in one volume all the adventures of John Buchan's hero, from his first appearance in The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) to his swan-song in The Island of Sheep (1936). Here is the perfect book for those who may have met Richard Hannay in his first and most famous outing - either in print or in Hitchcock's famous movie - and would like to follow his subsequent adventures. The Thirty-Nine Steps is often regarded as the first modern spy story (with the possible exception of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands - also worth a look), and its breathless pace as its narrator is first pursued by and then pursues a network of German spies against the backdrop of the First World War, remains as effective today as when it was written. The two following books in the series, Greenmantle (1916)and Mr Standfast (1919) also pit Hannay against the might of the Kaiser (he even meets him on one occasion while posing as a pro-German Boer...), taking him across Europe and the Near East. We are also intoduced to his comrades-in-arms: multi-lingual Scottish laird and master of disguise, Sandy Arbuthnot; larger-than-life American industrialist Blenkiron; and Hannay's future wife, the feisty Mary Lamington. The final two books, The Three Hostages (1924) and the Island of Sheep are set after the War, mainly in Britain, and Hannay's adversaries this time are master criminals rather than spies, but the page-turning suspense is every bit as intense, as Hannay races against the clock to bring the malefactors to book... Hannay is a very likeable hero, more complex than the "stiff upper lip" stereotype might suggest. In many ways, he resembles the central characters of Dick Francis's racing thrillers. Like them, Hannay is no intellectual, but he is highly intelligent and has a healthy disrespect for gung-ho heroics. He is, moreover, a perceptive observer of the natural world, and brings a wry - and infectious - sense of humour to his study of human foibles. All in all, John Buchan's "shockers" (as their author called his Hannay stories) deserve a much wider audience and this Penguin omnibus edition is thus to be applauded.

The best Buchan, bar one..., 21 Nov 2008
Daft, unrealistic, and enormously good fun. Don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Hannay is a older and far more engaging character in the style of Alex Rider, or James bond. Think a cross between Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic and Bond, and you won't go far wrong. This book will definitely find it's way onto the book shelves of all my teen aged male relatives.

Adrenaline in print, nicely packaged, 25 Jul 2008
This edition of John Buchan's "The 39 Steps" is beautifully designed and produced. I love the retro cover design and the substantial no-nonsense feel of the paper.

The story itself may seem simplistic and far-fetched to modern readers but one has to remember that this was written at a time when books were the main medium for adventure tales, not films or games! In this respect, the writing succeeds in spinning a compelling yarn and building up suspense. You're left in no doubt as to who is good, who is bad and what their motives are: "there was something weird and devilish in those eyes, cold, malignant, unearthly and most hellishly clever."

Yes, the situations may seem far-fetched and yes, the hero seems unbelievably resourceful and capable, but I believe that John Buchan was well aware that he was writing in a particular "genre". Overall, this is a wonderful piece of escapism from another time and eminently readable.

A classic, 09 Oct 2007
Small as it is (barely a hundred pages), this book amply makes up for that lack of quantity by its sheer quality. Richard Hannay has just returned from South Africa and is barely back in London when a man is found murdered in his rooms ('There was a long knife through his heart which skewered him to the floor.' Don't you just love this kind of stuff? I know I do!). He sets out for his native Scotland, always just a step ahead of the police... not once does the pace of the story slacken until the very end, and you'll be reading it teeth on edge.

'The thirty-nine steps' was first published in 1915, but in my opinion it's still one of the very best suspense stories ever!

The Thirty Nine Steps - John Buchan, 23 Sep 2007
I find it hard to give a loved classic as this less than the full five stars, however, despite all that this book has going for it, i cant bring myself to give it full marks.

This book, although undoubtedly good, and full of things which will make readers keep turning the pages is missing something.

Im definatley a fan of the thirty nine steps, but the ending is somewhat dissapointing, and i didnt get the same feeling of satisfaction from finishing this as ive got from several other books recently.
If you get a chance, pick this book up and enjoy the way its written, its charms, quirks and characters; just dont expect fireworks.

Splendid read!, 02 Aug 2007
I don't know how I got by without having read this book until now. A wonderful little story. It made me hungry for more of this "easy-reading" and I just started on the Penguin "The Complete Richard Hannay"...
I hope this series is continued.

Great escapism, 21 Nov 2008
a really good book to dip in and out of, I use it whenever I need some escapism. It's got enough excitement to keep you interested, as well as some beautiful description of the Scottish highlands. Perhaps not one for those of you who disagree with blood sports though.

Escapism from a different age, 03 Feb 2008
This is a fantastic book - my ultimate all time comfort read. The story of three great men seeking to recapture the excitement of life in Scotland's incomparable highlands through the pre-confessed poaching of a stag or a salmon on neighbouring estates. It is beautifully written and, while an essentially gentle story, gripping. I must have read it 100 times and still, when my mind is troubled, I go back to it. "Pride and Prejudice" for men.

A book that makes you yearn for the great outdoors, 18 Jan 2008
Other commentators have concentrated on the huntin', shootin', fishin' aspects of this book and they are certainly right to do so, but by doing so they perhaps miss what a great paean to the great Scottish countryside this is. In common with much of Buchan's work, the action takes place predominantly outdoors and he is so comfortable in his effortless description of place that it is a true joy to read. Sure the book has the class distinctions of its time but you can visit the Western Highlands even now and see how accurate and compelling his writing is. Also the "manhunt" aspects of the book surely appeal to the hunter in all of us "men of a certain age", who habitually watch Top Gear and would still like to nip out for a quick game of "Best Man Fall"

One last thing, whilst I adore the Richard Hannay books, may I guide those of you who have still to discover the genius of John Buchan (and please read his biographies for justification of my attaching that word to him) to read the "Dickson McCunn" books, Huntingtower, Castle Gay and The House of the Four Winds. These are light, easy to read, surprisingly suspenseful and throughly rollicking reads that today's authors just cannot hope to match.

I notice that a number of Buchan's books are being re-published so I hope that many more people will get beyond The Thirty Nine Steps to see what a marvelous legacy of works Buchan has left us.


The Great Game, 03 Oct 2007
A comfortable read, John Buchan in top form on his home ground, writing about the blood sports he loves.

This book really should not work, as our heroes admit at the beginning of the story, their motivation for their adventures is merely to avoid boredom; As is clear at the end, the risks they have exposed themselves are all quite bogus. Why on Earth should the modern reader care about three patrician Tory squires playing at being rebels?

Simply, the reader cares because of the easy charm of our author, he engages our interest and sympathies so that it is impossible not to root for our eminent trio and their various assistants.

Also, although contrived, the tale is far from bloodless, Buchan always approaches his adventures as sporting contests anyway, no matter how high the odds, so the challenges thrown down by "John Macnab" suit his tone perfectly.

The night fishing exploits of Edward Leithen are perhaps the most memorable passages in the book, but all the sporting pursuits are well drawn, and with obvious knowledge and affection to draw on.

The highly class bound society shown here may seem off-putting to modern tastes, but Buchan is so assured, so certain of the rightness of the world he describes, it is impossible not to accept his preconceptions and simply enjoy a rattling story.

Excellent !, 30 Nov 1999
Whether you are familiar with this story from school or finding it for the first time, it makes for an excellent read. It carries an excellent 'sense of place' and, forgiving the minor details that date it, it is as applicable today as ever it was.

If you are going on holiday to Scotland and want to understand something of its' sporting history and development you could do no better than read this book. If you are visiting Scotland to fish or stalk and have not read this book - why not ! If you have already stalked or fished in Scotland and want to conjur up the memories then dive in.

Introduction and Buchan`s timeline help our enjoyment.[David Scott], 01 Nov 2008
In the Oxford World`s Classics printing there are several additional sections by other writers that helped me with background information.
A 16 page Introduction by Christopher Harvie puts the Hannay novels in the context of other similar adventure stories of the time.On the declaration of war Buchan had been summoned to Sir Edward Grey at the Foreign Office.By 1916 Buchan was a war correspondent,working in propaganda.The following year he worked for Foreign Office and War Office,and as Intelligence Officer at GHQ in France.Harvie suggests that The 39 Steps was,in fact,an ingenious way of misleading the Germans about where the Admiralty had got to in its decrypting expertise.It had,by 1915,gained copies of the three main German code-books,which the German Admiralty used until 1917.
Details of Hannay`s chase through the south of Scotland are given.There is alot of interesting background supplied that brought the story even more to life for me.Four pages of chronology take us from Buchan`s birth in 1875 at Perth,through school,university,early publications,wartime activities,entering Parliament in 1927,and in 1935 he was ennobled as Lord Tweedsmuir,Governor-General of Canada.
At the back of this printing are the useful Explanatory Notes, eight pages explaining references to places,topical terms,Scottish dialect--over seventy `facts` that relate to this fiction story and to real events of the time.
I wish that other printings also included these additional Introduction and Notes.They give a lot of added colour and period atmosphere.



Not to be taken too seriously., 13 Oct 2007
Being a short novel that was published in 1915 do not expect 'The Da Vinci Code', but you can expect the slight innovative ideas that were bounced around during this period that brings us the post-modern version of the thriller we have today.

It is dated for obvious reasons - the cliff-hangers and non-stop incidental action is something current readers of thrillers will slam as cheesy, unlikely and clumsy (though they were slightly more original during the time). Obviously there are early twentieth-century colloquialisms and slang terms with the odd Scottish dialect placed here and there. The gender bias is a bit shocking; there are not any female characters in this at all (unless you include housemaids and fat women on buses) - this is an extremely boyish novel and many female readers may find it hard to appreciate considering the protagonist's primary concern is to be manly. Lastly, there are the common attitudes of the day which may be regarded as offensive to today's readers (there are some obvious anti-Semitic sentiments in the story) and Germans are considered the common enemy (unsurprisingly). All that said, do not be fooled by the 'Classic' status by the publishers; it's in the first-person narrative that has a verbal, colloquial tone, making this novel an extremely laid-back, easy read.

We are treated to mad several weeks following the hero, Richard Hannay, who is on the run from the police and "the Black Stone" (German spies) and so we get to see him in many disguises, telling many lies, meeting a shocking amount of nice people up in the Scottish moors who he knows to trust instantly and then heads back down to London to save the United Kingdom from German spies pretty much on his lonesome. Far-fetched would be an understatement, but so is James Bond, Bruce Willis in a white vest and Dan Brown novels, so if you can turn your brain off when you are watching action films or reading daft novels there's no reason why you can't do the same for this book. It's just a bit of fun, with the odd dash of political statement. If you do not take it too seriously, you can have a fun few hours reading through this slim volume (the actual story is 104 pages long) and it's interesting to see the early rise of the spy/thriller novel. Like Dan Brown, do not expect anything deep or profound, it really is just daft, unlikely action from beginning to end.

like watching big brother, 21 Jun 2007
aweful tripe can be wriiten into a book with a great reputation.
here it is .this book is diabolical.god i'm so angry i read it !!!!!!!!1

I really enjoyed it!, 08 Mar 2004
This is a very exciting story,and the audiobook moves along at a cracking pace.It is an abridged version,but you don't miss out on any of the action,and Robert Powell as narrator really brings the story to life.I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

Enjoyable, short and rather dated., 26 Mar 2001
Believe it or not I have not seen the film so I was able to read the book without any idea of the story. I can see that it was an ideal book to turn into a film.

It feels dated not because of the period but the style of writing and outlook of the characters. If the book had been written now the same story would have a different feel. It is almost like watching an old film, you can tell it is old by the colours and style.

The cover of the book also gives it an old feeling because of its simplicity.

Despite all of the above it is an enjoyable read and the plot twists enough times to keep you guessing as to the motivation of some characters. It is hard to accept how trusting most of the characters are in the book, but that is probably a reflection of life in the early part of the 20th century.

I also enjoyed the way that you get a feeling for the attitude of the country and certainty of a major war errupting in Europe. Modern books don't protray that feeling becuase we know they are written with the benefit of hindsight. This was first published in 1915 and probably written befor WW1 broke out.

It is short and cheap so there is no excuse not to try it.

A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A chap for all seasons, 17 Oct 2005
These books are a great read; not too deep, great thrillers and set the tone of the period perfectly. All we need now is someone brave enough to make a film of "Greenmantle"!

Marvellous!, 04 Dec 2004
I had no idea there were more Buchan novels beyond 39 Steps and only discovered the rest by accident. What a happy find! I am writing a fairly contemporaneous novel and thought this collection would make good research material, but I have to confess I haven't done much key-pounding since I bought it. All the tales are equally deserving of five stars but the descriptions of battle in Mr Standfast are quite outstanding. It's almost like being there, and the end, though terribly melodramatic, is very affecting. Even the endless improbable coincidences seem perfectly acceptable in this sort of writing. Yes, there is racism, homophobia, xenophobia, class snobbery, you name it, but somehow it all seems terribly innocent, even comical, to modern eyes and really doesn't matter. Just don't go calling anyone a 'kaffir' in modern South Africa or they'll lock you up!

Not much I can add..., 23 Jan 2004
Other reviewers have made lengthy comments on this compilation and I cannot add much to them. This is a fine collection of stories that keep you turning the pages. If you loved the film adaptations of 'The 39 Steps', you should get this book in order to read the original story and then move on to enjoy the other excellent stories.

an omnibus edition of classic page-turning suspense, 04 May 2000
As its title suggests, this edition brings together in one volume all the adventures of John Buchan's hero, from his first appearance in The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) to his swan-song in The Island of Sheep (1936). Here is the perfect book for those who may have met Richard Hannay in his first and most famous outing - either in print or in Hitchcock's famous movie - and would like to follow his subsequent adventures. The Thirty-Nine Steps is often regarded as the first modern spy story (with the possible exception of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands - also worth a look), and its breathless pace as its narrator is first pursued by and then pursues a network of German spies against the backdrop of the First World War, remains as effective today as when it was written. The two following books in the series, Greenmantle (1916)and Mr Standfast (1919) also pit Hannay against the might of the Kaiser (he even meets him on one occasion while posing as a pro-German Boer...), taking him across Europe and the Near East. We are also intoduced to his comrades-in-arms: multi-lingual Scottish laird and master of disguise, Sandy Arbuthnot; larger-than-life American industrialist Blenkiron; and Hannay's future wife, the feisty Mary Lamington. The final two books, The Three Hostages (1924) and the Island of Sheep are set after the War, mainly in Britain, and Hannay's adversaries this time are master criminals rather than spies, but the page-turning suspense is every bit as intense, as Hannay races against the clock to bring the malefactors to book... Hannay is a very likeable hero, more complex than the "stiff upper lip" stereotype might suggest. In many ways, he resembles the central characters of Dick Francis's racing thrillers. Like them, Hannay is no intellectual, but he is highly intelligent and has a healthy disrespect for gung-ho heroics. He is, moreover, a perceptive observer of the natural world, and brings a wry - and infectious - sense of humour to his study of human foibles. All in all, John Buchan's "shockers" (as their author called his Hannay stories) deserve a much wider audience and this Penguin omnibus edition is thus to be applauded.

The best Buchan, bar one..., 21 Nov 2008
Daft, unrealistic, and enormously good fun. Don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Hannay is a older and far more engaging character in the style of Alex Rider, or James bond. Think a cross between Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic and Bond, and you won't go far wrong. This book will definitely find it's way onto the book shelves of all my teen aged male relatives.

Adrenaline in print, nicely packaged, 25 Jul 2008
This edition of John Buchan's "The 39 Steps" is beautifully designed and produced. I love the retro cover design and the substantial no-nonsense feel of the paper.

The story itself may seem simplistic and far-fetched to modern readers but one has to remember that this was written at a time when books were the main medium for adventure tales, not films or games! In this respect, the writing succeeds in spinning a compelling yarn and building up suspense. You're left in no doubt as to who is good, who is bad and what their motives are: "there was something weird and devilish in those eyes, cold, malignant, unearthly and most hellishly clever."

Yes, the situations may seem far-fetched and yes, the hero seems unbelievably resourceful and capable, but I believe that John Buchan was well aware that he was writing in a particular "genre". Overall, this is a wonderful piece of escapism from another time and eminently readable.

A classic, 09 Oct 2007
Small as it is (barely a hundred pages), this book amply makes up for that lack of quantity by its sheer quality. Richard Hannay has just returned from South Africa and is barely back in London when a man is found murdered in his rooms ('There was a long knife through his heart which skewered him to the floor.' Don't you just love this kind of stuff? I know I do!). He sets out for his native Scotland, always just a step ahead of the police... not once does the pace of the story slacken until the very end, and you'll be reading it teeth on edge.

'The thirty-nine steps' was first published in 1915, but in my opinion it's still one of the very best suspense stories ever!

The Thirty Nine Steps - John Buchan, 23 Sep 2007
I find it hard to give a loved classic as this less than the full five stars, however, despite all that this book has going for it, i cant bring myself to give it full marks.

This book, although undoubtedly good, and full of things which will make readers keep turning the pages is missing something.

Im definatley a fan of the thirty nine steps, but the ending is somewhat dissapointing, and i didnt get the same feeling of satisfaction from finishing this as ive got from several other books recently.
If you get a chance, pick this book up and enjoy the way its written, its charms, quirks and characters; just dont expect fireworks.

Splendid read!, 02 Aug 2007
I don't know how I got by without having read this book until now. A wonderful little story. It made me hungry for more of this "easy-reading" and I just started on the Penguin "The Complete Richard Hannay"...
I hope this series is continued.

Great escapism, 21 Nov 2008
a really good book to dip in and out of, I use it whenever I need some escapism. It's got enough excitement to keep you interested, as well as some beautiful description of the Scottish highlands. Perhaps not one for those of you who disagree with blood sports though.

Escapism from a different age, 03 Feb 2008
This is a fantastic book - my ultimate all time comfort read. The story of three great men seeking to recapture the excitement of life in Scotland's incomparable highlands through the pre-confessed poaching of a stag or a salmon on neighbouring estates. It is beautifully written and, while an essentially gentle story, gripping. I must have read it 100 times and still, when my mind is troubled, I go back to it. "Pride and Prejudice" for men.

A book that makes you yearn for the great outdoors, 18 Jan 2008
Other commentators have concentrated on the huntin', shootin', fishin' aspects of this book and they are certainly right to do so, but by doing so they perhaps miss what a great paean to the great Scottish countryside this is. In common with much of Buchan's work, the action takes place predominantly outdoors and he is so comfortable in his effortless description of place that it is a true joy to read. Sure the book has the class distinctions of its time but you can visit the Western Highlands even now and see how accurate and compelling his writing is. Also the "manhunt" aspects of the book surely appeal to the hunter in all of us "men of a certain age", who habitually watch Top Gear and would still like to nip out for a quick game of "Best Man Fall"

One last thing, whilst I adore the Richard Hannay books, may I guide those of you who have still to discover the genius of John Buchan (and please read his biographies for justification of my attaching that word to him) to read the "Dickson McCunn" books, Huntingtower, Castle Gay and The House of the Four Winds. These are light, easy to read, surprisingly suspenseful and throughly rollicking reads that today's authors just cannot hope to match.

I notice that a number of Buchan's books are being re-published so I hope that many more people will get beyond The Thirty Nine Steps to see what a marvelous legacy of works Buchan has left us.


The Great Game, 03 Oct 2007
A comfortable read, John Buchan in top form on his home ground, writing about the blood sports he loves.

This book really should not work, as our heroes admit at the beginning of the story, their motivation for their adventures is merely to avoid boredom; As is clear at the end, the risks they have exposed themselves are all quite bogus. Why on Earth should the modern reader care about three patrician Tory squires playing at being rebels?

Simply, the reader cares because of the easy charm of our author, he engages our interest and sympathies so that it is impossible not to root for our eminent trio and their various assistants.

Also, although contrived, the tale is far from bloodless, Buchan always approaches his adventures as sporting contests anyway, no matter how high the odds, so the challenges thrown down by "John Macnab" suit his tone perfectly.

The night fishing exploits of Edward Leithen are perhaps the most memorable passages in the book, but all the sporting pursuits are well drawn, and with obvious knowledge and affection to draw on.

The highly class bound society shown here may seem off-putting to modern tastes, but Buchan is so assured, so certain of the rightness of the world he describes, it is impossible not to accept his preconceptions and simply enjoy a rattling story.

Excellent !, 30 Nov 1999
Whether you are familiar with this story from school or finding it for the first time, it makes for an excellent read. It carries an excellent 'sense of place' and, forgiving the minor details that date it, it is as applicable today as ever it was.

If you are going on holiday to Scotland and want to understand something of its' sporting history and development you could do no better than read this book. If you are visiting Scotland to fish or stalk and have not read this book - why not ! If you have already stalked or fished in Scotland and want to conjur up the memories then dive in.

Introduction and Buchan`s timeline help our enjoyment.[David Scott], 01 Nov 2008
In the Oxford World`s Classics printing there are several additional sections by other writers that helped me with background information.
A 16 page Introduction by Christopher Harvie puts the Hannay novels in the context of other similar adventure stories of the time.On the declaration of war Buchan had been summoned to Sir Edward Grey at the Foreign Office.By 1916 Buchan was a war correspondent,working in propaganda.The following year he worked for Foreign Office and War Office,and as Intelligence Officer at GHQ in France.Harvie suggests that The 39 Steps was,in fact,an ingenious way of misleading the Germans about where the Admiralty had got to in its decrypting expertise.It had,by 1915,gained copies of the three main German code-books,which the German Admiralty used until 1917.
Details of Hannay`s chase through the south of Scotland are given.There is alot of interesting background supplied that brought the story even more to life for me.Four pages of chronology take us from Buchan`s birth in 1875 at Perth,through school,university,early publications,wartime activities,entering Parliament in 1927,and in 1935 he was ennobled as Lord Tweedsmuir,Governor-General of Canada.
At the back of this printing are the useful Explanatory Notes, eight pages explaining references to places,topical terms,Scottish dialect--over seventy `facts` that relate to this fiction story and to real events of the time.
I wish that other printings also included these additional Introduction and Notes.They give a lot of added colour and period atmosphere.



Not to be taken too seriously., 13 Oct 2007
Being a short novel that was published in 1915 do not expect 'The Da Vinci Code', but you can expect the slight innovative ideas that were bounced around during this period that brings us the post-modern version of the thriller we have today.

It is dated for obvious reasons - the cliff-hangers and non-stop incidental action is something current readers of thrillers will slam as cheesy, unlikely and clumsy (though they were slightly more original during the time). Obviously there are early twentieth-century colloquialisms and slang terms with the odd Scottish dialect placed here and there. The gender bias is a bit shocking; there are not any female characters in this at all (unless you include housemaids and fat women on buses) - this is an extremely boyish novel and many female readers may find it hard to appreciate considering the protagonist's primary concern is to be manly. Lastly, there are the common attitudes of the day which may be regarded as offensive to today's readers (there are some obvious anti-Semitic sentiments in the story) and Germans are considered the common enemy (unsurprisingly). All that said, do not be fooled by the 'Classic' status by the publishers; it's in the first-person narrative that has a verbal, colloquial tone, making this novel an extremely laid-back, easy read.

We are treated to mad several weeks following the hero, Richard Hannay, who is on the run from the police and "the Black Stone" (German spies) and so we get to see him in many disguises, telling many lies, meeting a shocking amount of nice people up in the Scottish moors who he knows to trust instantly and then heads back down to London to save the United Kingdom from German spies pretty much on his lonesome. Far-fetched would be an understatement, but so is James Bond, Bruce Willis in a white vest and Dan Brown novels, so if you can turn your brain off when you are watching action films or reading daft novels there's no reason why you can't do the same for this book. It's just a bit of fun, with the odd dash of political statement. If you do not take it too seriously, you can have a fun few hours reading through this slim volume (the actual story is 104 pages long) and it's interesting to see the early rise of the spy/thriller novel. Like Dan Brown, do not expect anything deep or profound, it really is just daft, unlikely action from beginning to end.

like watching big brother, 21 Jun 2007
aweful tripe can be wriiten into a book with a great reputation.
here it is .this book is diabolical.god i'm so angry i read it !!!!!!!!1

I really enjoyed it!, 08 Mar 2004
This is a very exciting story,and the audiobook moves along at a cracking pace.It is an abridged version,but you don't miss out on any of the action,and Robert Powell as narrator really brings the story to life.I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

Enjoyable, short and rather dated., 26 Mar 2001
Believe it or not I have not seen the film so I was able to read the book without any idea of the story. I can see that it was an ideal book to turn into a film.

It feels dated not because of the period but the style of writing and outlook of the characters. If the book had been written now the same story would have a different feel. It is almost like watching an old film, you can tell it is old by the colours and style.

The cover of the book also gives it an old feeling because of its simplicity.

Despite all of the above it is an enjoyable read and the plot twists enough times to keep you guessing as to the motivation of some characters. It is hard to accept how trusting most of the characters are in the book, but that is probably a reflection of life in the early part of the 20th century.

I also enjoyed the way that you get a feeling for the attitude of the country and certainty of a major war errupting in Europe. Modern books don't protray that feeling becuase we know they are written with the benefit of hindsight. This was first published in 1915 and probably written befor WW1 broke out.

It is short and cheap so there is no excuse not to try it.

Very much part of the Buchan tradition, 21 Apr 2008
Readers who cannot stomach the idea of a protagonist who does not share current modern sensibilities should be warned; Mr Standfast is quite capable of arousing the same unwarranted controversy as its predecessors. Warning must also be also given of Buchan's habit of periodically inserting a bit of social commentary between the action scenes conducted by the returning Richard Hannay.

That said, Mr Standfast is a fascinating tale with a trademark John Buchan plot that should satisfy those who enjoyed The Thirty-Nine Steps. Hannay's adventures see him return to the Scottish Highlands, as well as wartime France and neutral Switzerland in pursuit of yet another international spy ring, masterminded by an old Hannay enemy - the Graf von Schwabing. Thus we are back on familiar territory indeed with ingredients of world conspiracy, physical challenges and dark suspicions.

However, those seeking a return of characters from previous books such as Blenkiron, Pienaar and Arbuthnot will be disappointed, as these occupy either a peripheral role within the book or simply fail to appear. The progression of the storyline is not always the smoothest or most concise either, and the pace of the book not always consistent.

It could be concluded, then, Mr Standfast epitomises both John Buchan's talents as a writer and his flaws. A potential reader should be willing to interpret the book according to its place in history, while still taking pleasure in the narrative itself which is, at times, an enjoyable example of its type.

A rollicking yarn, 18 Nov 2008
The negative reviews of "Thirty Nine Steps" seem to me to indicate a sense of humour failure. Yes, this little novel does show its age with attitudes and character stereotyping that wouldn't make the grade today; but this does not detract from the fact that it is an extremely pacy and stylish tale, and moves with a fleetness that many novelists would do well to emulate! I have read and re-read this novel several times over, and every time I enjoy its lightness of touch and its gripping atmospherics. Yes, the writing does show an unbearable condecension towards "yokels" and foreigners, but it's still a ripping boy's own adventure that deserves its classic status, and a fascinating evocation of macho Edwardian England.

a dated classic, 07 Nov 2008
The fact that this has dated badly is not arguable, it's very much a book of its time (lets not forget that this was written in worrying, paranoid times and in the early days of WWI and that it's author was born in the Victorian era) and it's hardly surprising that some of Buchan's attitudes (and subsequent character attitudes) are not exactly 'politically correct' by todays standards.

The 39 steps must be read taking all of this into account, doing so reveals an interesting and original spy thriller, it's short, punchy and entertaining.

Personally Greenmantle (they second Hannay novel) is a better book but this is a must read for anyone interested in the spy genre or anyone looking for a window into a long gone era and all of the attitudes that come with that.

The greatest and funniest classic adventure stories!, 15 Sep 2008
Richard Hannay's debut into the world of literature is one of immediate excitement, suspense and peril to rival any `penny thriller'. The jocular narrative and the twists and turns at which the brigadier thwarts the sinister Black Stone make this altogether an endearing classic adventure, with few faults save perhaps, the contrast of description of scenery or Hannay's reflections to the pace of the story. But this is forgivable in a highly entertaining if incredulous book.

Dated, but still a classic, 16 Aug 2007
The title of this book carries a great deal of expectation with it, partly because of the fame created by the subsequent films. And if I were to be completely honest I don't feel that my expectations were entirely met. To some extent this is because the language has dated, but also because the characterisation is relatively shallow and sometimes badly stereotyped.
On the other hand, and the reason I have opted for four stars over three, you have to appreciate the context and influence this novel has had. The storyline is simple but actually very effective - the measure of this being the sheer volume of later writers who have followed the same template. Furthermore, Buchan has not had the luxury of hiding behind pseudo-scientific or high-tech waffle - this is a story-driven novel and so much more refreshing for it.
So in summary, this novel is failing the test of time and certainly would not cut the mustard in the modern era of mass popular fiction, but if you put that to one side, there is a real "gripping yarn" to be had.

Good page turner, 12 Aug 2007
A good, page turning thriller, but one has to wonder whether this would be at all well known or in the 1001 list if it were not for the film versions, esp. the Hitchcock (1935) and the Kenneth Moore (1959) ones. There are no women handcuffed to the hero here (indeed no real female characters at all) and no Mr Memory. The plot relies rather too much on coincidences, but it's good, basic and short (100 pages) fun.

A chap for all seasons, 17 Oct 2005
These books are a great read; not too deep, great thrillers and set the tone of the period perfectly. All we need now is someone brave enough to make a film of "Greenmantle"!

Marvellous!, 04 Dec 2004
I had no idea there were more Buchan novels beyond 39 Steps and only discovered the rest by accident. What a happy find! I am writing a fairly contemporaneous novel and thought this collection would make good research material, but I have to confess I haven't done much key-pounding since I bought it. All the tales are equally deserving of five stars but the descriptions of battle in Mr Standfast are quite outstanding. It's almost like being there, and the end, though terribly melodramatic, is very affecting. Even the endless improbable coincidences seem perfectly acceptable in this sort of writing. Yes, there is racism, homophobia, xenophobia, class snobbery, you name it, but somehow it all seems terribly innocent, even comical, to modern eyes and really doesn't matter. Just don't go calling anyone a 'kaffir' in modern South Africa or they'll lock you up!

Not much I can add..., 23 Jan 2004
Other reviewers have made lengthy comments on this compilation and I cannot add much to them. This is a fine collection of stories that keep you turning the pages. If you loved the film adaptations of 'The 39 Steps', you should get this book in order to read the original story and then move on to enjoy the other excellent stories.

an omnibus edition of classic page-turning suspense, 04 May 2000
As its title suggests, this edition brings together in one volume all the adventures of John Buchan's hero, from his first appearance in The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) to his swan-song in The Island of Sheep (1936). Here is the perfect book for those who may have met Richard Hannay in his first and most famous outing - either in print or in Hitchcock's famous movie - and would like to follow his subsequent adventures. The Thirty-Nine Steps is often regarded as the first modern spy story (with the possible exception of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands - also worth a look), and its breathless pace as its narrator is first pursued by and then pursues a network of German spies against the backdrop of the First World War, remains as effective today as when it was written. The two following books in the series, Greenmantle (1916)and Mr Standfast (1919) also pit Hannay against the might of the Kaiser (he even meets him on one occasion while posing as a pro-German Boer...), taking him across Europe and the Near East. We are also intoduced to his comrades-in-arms: multi-lingual Scottish laird and master of disguise, Sandy Arbuthnot; larger-than-life American industrialist Blenkiron; and Hannay's future wife, the feisty Mary Lamington. The final two books, The Three Hostages (1924) and the Island of Sheep are set after the War, mainly in Britain, and Hannay's adversaries this time are master criminals rather than spies, but the page-turning suspense is every bit as intense, as Hannay races against the clock to bring the malefactors to book... Hannay is a very likeable hero, more complex than the "stiff upper lip" stereotype might suggest. In many ways, he resembles the central characters of Dick Francis's racing thrillers. Like them, Hannay is no intellectual, but he is highly intelligent and has a healthy disrespect for gung-ho heroics. He is, moreover, a perceptive observer of the natural world, and brings a wry - and infectious - sense of humour to his study of human foibles. All in all, John Buchan's "shockers" (as their author called his Hannay stories) deserve a much wider audience and this Penguin omnibus edition is thus to be applauded.

The best Buchan, bar one..., 21 Nov 2008
Daft, unrealistic, and enormously good fun. Don't take it too seriously and just enjoy the ride. Hannay is a older and far more engaging character in the style of Alex Rider, or James bond. Think a cross between Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic and Bond, and you won't go far wrong. This book will definitely find it's way onto the book shelves of all my teen aged male relatives.

Adrenaline in print, nicely packaged, 25 Jul 2008
This edition of John Buchan's "The 39 Steps" is beautifully designed and produced. I love the retro cover design and the substantial no-nonsense feel of the paper.

The story itself may seem simplistic and far-fetched to modern readers but one has to remember that this was written at a time when books were the main medium for adventure tales, not films or games! In this respect, the writing succeeds in spinning a compelling yarn and building up suspense. You're left in no doubt as to who is good, who is bad and what their motives are: "there was something weird and devilish in those eyes, cold, malignant, unearthly and most hellishly clever."

Yes, the situations may seem far-fetched and yes, the hero seems unbelievably resourceful and capable, but I believe that John Buchan was well aware that he was writing in a particular "genre". Overall, this is a wonderful piece of escapism from another time and eminently readable.

A classic, 09 Oct 2007
Small as it is (barely a hundred pages), this book amply makes up for that lack of quantity by its sheer quality. Richard Hannay has just returned from South Africa and is barely back in London when a man is found murdered in his rooms ('There was a long knife through his heart which skewered him to the floor.' Don't you just love this kind of stuff? I know I do!). He sets out for his native Scotland, always just a step ahead of the police... not once does the pace of the story slacken until the very end, and you'll be reading it teeth on edge.

'The thirty-nine steps' was first published in 1915, but in my opinion it's still one of the very best suspense stories ever!

The Thirty Nine Steps - John Buchan, 23 Sep 2007
I find it hard to give a loved classic as this less than the full five stars, however, despite all that this book has going for it, i cant bring myself to give it full marks.

This book, although undoubtedly good, and full of things which will make readers keep turning the pages is missing something.

Im definatley a fan of the thirty nine steps, but the ending is somewhat dissapointing, and i didnt get the same feeling of satisfaction from finishing this as ive got from several other books recently.
If you get a chance, pick this book up and enjoy the way its written, its charms, quirks and characters; just dont expect fireworks.

Splendid read!, 02 Aug 2007
I don't know how I got by without having read this book until now. A wonderful little story. It made me hungry for more of this "easy-reading" and I just started on the Penguin "The Complete Richard Hannay"...
I hope this series is continued.

Great escapism, 21 Nov 2008
a really good book to dip in and out of, I use it whenever I need some escapism. It's got enough excitement to keep you interested, as well as some beautiful description of the Scottish highlands. Perhaps not one for those of you who disagree with blood sports though.

Escapism from a different age, 03 Feb 2008
This is a fantastic book - my ultimate all time comfort read. The story of three great men seeking to recapture the excitement of life in Scotland's incomparable highlands through the pre-confessed poaching of a stag or a salmon on neighbouring estates. It is beautifully written and, while an essentially gentle story, gripping. I must have read it 100 times and still, when my mind is troubled, I go back to it. "Pride and Prejudice" for men.

A book that makes you yearn for the great outdoors, 18 Jan 2008
Other commentators have concentrated on the huntin', shootin', fishin' aspects of this book and they are certainly right to do so, but by doing so they perhaps miss what a great paean to the great Scottish countryside this is. In common with much of Buchan's work, the action takes place predominantly outdoors and he is so comfortable in his effortless description of place that it is a true joy to read. Sure the book has the class distinctions of its time but you can visit the Western Highlands even now and see how accurate and compelling his writing is. Also the "manhunt" aspects of the book surely appeal to the hunter in all of us "men of a certain age", who habitually watch Top Gear and would still like to nip out for a quick game of "Best Man Fall"

One last thing, whilst I adore the Richard Hannay books, may I guide those of you who have still to discover the genius of John Buchan (and please read his biographies for justification of my attaching that word to him) to read the "Dickson McCunn" books, Huntingtower, Castle Gay and The House of the Four Winds. These are light, easy to read, surprisingly suspenseful and throughly rollicking reads that today's authors just cannot hope to match.

I notice that a number of Buchan's books are being re-published so I hope that many more people will get beyond The Thirty Nine Steps to see what a marvelous legacy of works Buchan has left us.


The Great Game, 03 Oct 2007
A comfortable read, John Buchan in top form on his home ground, writing about the blood sports he loves.

This book really should not work, as our heroes admit at the beginning of the story, their motivation for their adventures is merely to avoid boredom; As is clear at the end, the risks they have exposed themselves are all quite bogus. Why on Earth should the modern reader care about three patrician Tory squires playing at being rebels?

Simply, the reader cares because of the easy charm of our author, he engages our interest and sympathies so that it is impossible not to root for our eminent trio and their various assistants.

Also, although contrived, the tale is far from bloodless, Buchan always approaches his adventures as sporting contests anyway, no matter how high the odds, so the challenges thrown down by "John Macnab" suit his tone perfectly.

The night fishing exploits of Edward Leithen are perhaps the most memorable passages in the book, but all the sporting pursuits are well drawn, and with obvious knowledge and affection to draw on.

The highly class bound society shown here may seem off-putting to modern tastes, but Buchan is so assured, so certain of the rightness of the world he describes, it is impossible not to accept his preconceptions and simply enjoy a rattling story.

Excellent !, 30 Nov 1999
Whether you are familiar with this story from school or finding it for the first time, it makes for an excellent read. It carries an excellent 'sense of place' and, forgiving the minor details that date it, it is as applicable today as ever it was.

If you are going on holiday to Scotland and want to understand something of its' sporting history and development you could do no better than read this book. If you are visiting Scotland to fish or stalk and have not read this book - why not ! If you have already stalked or fished in Scotland and want to conjur up the memories then dive in.

Introduction and Buchan`s timeline help our enjoyment.[David Scott], 01 Nov 2008
In the Oxford World`s Classics printing there are several additional sections by other writers that helped me with background information.
A 16 page Introduction by Christopher Harvie puts the Hannay novels in the context of other similar adventure stories of the time.On the declaration of war Buchan had been summoned to Sir Edward Grey at the Foreign Office.By 1916 Buchan was a war correspondent,working in propaganda.The following year he worked for Foreign Office and War Office,and as Intelligence Officer at GHQ in France.Harvie suggests that The 39 Steps was,in fact,an ingenious way of misleading the Germans about where the Admiralty had got to in its decrypting expertise.It had,by 1915,gained copies of the three main German code-books,which the German Admiralty used until 1917.
Details of Hannay`s chase through the south of Scotland are given.There is alot of interesting background supplied that brought the story even more to life for me.Four pages of chronology take us from Buchan`s birth in 1875 at Perth,through school,university,early publications,wartime activities,entering Parliament in 1927,and in 1935 he was ennobled as Lord Tweedsmuir,Governor-General of Canada.
At the back of this printing are the useful Explanatory Notes, eight pages explaining