The Thirty-nine Steps

Description

There are many who would point to John Buchan’s Thirty-Nine Steps as one of the novels pioneering the then new genre of espionage literature. While the novel is seen as one of the most thrilling action stories of the time, it is also regarded as an excellent read by modern readers and critics alike.

The story brings us face to face with Richard Hannay who, upon his return to London after a successful venture in South Africa, is soon drawn into a dangerous assassination plot. As the murderer escapes by Scottish Express, Hannay is left to fend for himself, while still in possession of a coded notebook that could turn the tides of the entire plot. Can he evade his pursuers and formulate an efficient enough plan of action?

While the thriller and espionage genre was still in its infancy at the time Buchan wrote The Thirty-Nine Steps, the novel itself became a hit without much difficulty. This was due mainly to Buchan’s ability to form a progressive, fast-paced narrative that basically turns into an effortless adventure as you keep reading.

The artifices he uses to aid Hannay in his daring escape and his ability to outsmart his opponents are quite unique. One of them, for example, has to do with blending in with his environment to hide in plain sight.

As a man with many roles and important assignments during his lifetime – including that of barrister, colonial administrator and even Director of Intelligence – John Buchan had the ideal knowhow that allowed him to make this novel as believable, genuine and easy to understand as possible.

Even today, readers who are drawn to the classical genre and to books that offer a truly exciting experience are quite thrilled to reread Buchan’s novel over and over again. If you enjoy a good plot, an exciting adventure and an intelligent and confident main character, you will likely want to do the same.
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