The Thirty-Nine Steps

W, 1966 John Buchan 

Notes

The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) by John Buchan is a classic espionage thriller that introduced the character Richard Hannay, a resourceful and daring hero. Set in the lead-up to World War I, the novel begins when Hannay, a recently returned British expatriate, becomes embroiled in a web of international intrigue after his neighbor, an American spy, is murdered in his apartment.

Framed for the murder, Hannay goes on the run across the Scottish countryside, pursued by both the police and a shadowy group of enemy agents. Using his wit and courage, he uncovers a conspiracy involving a German plot to steal British military secrets. The “thirty-nine steps” refer to a crucial element of the plot, revealed in a dramatic climax.

Fast-paced and suspenseful, The Thirty-Nine Steps is a landmark in the spy genre, blending adventure with political intrigue. It has inspired numerous adaptations in film, television, and theater, including Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 cinematic classic.

Description

 Navy binding, original dust jacket, excellent condition