Book Description

The Thirty Nine Steps, John Buchan’s groundbreaking espionage thriller featuring spy Richard Hannay, has been called the first great espionage novel. It has been embraced by each new generation and shows no sign of losing popularity. Richard Hannay arrives in London on the eve of World War I, where he meets an American agent seeking help in stopping a political assassination. Before long, Hannay finds himself in possession of a little black book that holds the key to the conspiracy — and on the run from both the police and members of a mysterious organization that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. Considered by many to be one of the greatest adventure novels of all time, “The Thirty-Nine Steps” is Scottish author John Buchan’s most successful work. Published in 1915 and set during the early days of the First World War, it is the first of Buchan’s stories of Richard Hannay, a brave and honorable yet unremarkable gentleman, who finds himself mixed up in extraordinary circumstances. In “The Thirty-Nine Steps” Hannay is unintentionally drawn into a deadly plot to undermine the British war effort and assassinate the Greek Premier. Framed for murder and now a fugitive from the law, Hannay must race against time to try to stay one step ahead of his deadly pursuers and do what he can to stop the plot. Thrust into a world of spies, intrigue, and danger, the ordinary Hannay rises to the occasion and becomes a resourceful and loyal hero. Thrilling, intelligent, and clever, “The Thirty-Nine Steps” was popular and widely influential when first published and is credited with being one of the first “man on the run” stories. This classic is an exciting adventure of mystery and espionage that will thrill and delight readers both young and old. The book has formed the basis for a number of film adaptations, notably: Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 version; a 1959 color remake; a 1978 version which is perhaps most faithful to the novel; and a 2008 version for British television.