The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) is considered adventure writer John Buchan’s most notable work. It was the first of Buchan’s novels to feature the popular action hero, Richard Hannay. The story follows Richard Hannay, who, wrongfully accused of murder, is forced to flee to Scotland, pursued by spies as well as the police. A novel about a man who places his country’s interests before his own, it met with great success upon publication, especially in the trenches of the First World War, and continues to be regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern day thriller.

 

About The Author:

John Buchan, born in 1875 in Perth, was a Scottish novelist, biographer and statesman. Educated at the University of Oxford, he briefly pursued a legal career before joining politics. It was at this time that he began writing. His first novel, Prester John, was published in 1910. He was elected to Parliament in 1927, and in 1935, appointed Governor General to Canada. He is remembered for his adventure stories, especially the character of Richard Hannay, one of the first modern spy thriller heroes.