Description

Book Synopsis

Selected as one of the 100 best novels in English in The Guardian

Recently returned from South Africa, adventurer Richard Hannay is bored with life, but after a chance encounter with an American who informs him of an assassination plot and is then promptly murdered in Hannay’s London flat, he becomes the obvious suspect and is forced to go on the run. He heads north to his native Scotland, fleeing the police and his enemies. Hannay must keep his wits about him if he is to warn the government before all is too late.

This classic spy thriller sold a million copies before Buchan died in 1940, has been adapted countless times for film, television and the stage, and features the most exciting chase in the history of fiction.

With an introduction by Stuart Kelly.

This edition is authorised by the John Buchan Society.



Trade Review
'Buchan was a major influence on my work' ALFRED HITCHCOCK 'Between Kipling and Fleming stands John Buchan, the father of the modern spy thriller' CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS

The Thirty-Nine Steps: Authorised Edition

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    A Paperback / softback by John Buchan

    £6.99

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    Order before 4pm on Wednesday for delivery by Fri 13 Nov 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Birlinn General
      Published 17 May 2011
      ISBN-13 9781846971983
      978-1846971983
      ISBN-10 1846971985
      Also in:
      Classics

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Selected as one of the 100 best novels in English in The Guardian

      Recently returned from South Africa, adventurer Richard Hannay is bored with life, but after a chance encounter with an American who informs him of an assassination plot and is then promptly murdered in Hannay’s London flat, he becomes the obvious suspect and is forced to go on the run. He heads north to his native Scotland, fleeing the police and his enemies. Hannay must keep his wits about him if he is to warn the government before all is too late.

      This classic spy thriller sold a million copies before Buchan died in 1940, has been adapted countless times for film, television and the stage, and features the most exciting chase in the history of fiction.

      With an introduction by Stuart Kelly.

      This edition is authorised by the John Buchan Society.



      Trade Review
      'Buchan was a major influence on my work' ALFRED HITCHCOCK 'Between Kipling and Fleming stands John Buchan, the father of the modern spy thriller' CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS

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